Gardenin’ on the Wild Side

Did you know that May is Garden for Wildlife Month?

It is.

So.

Now that you know THAT …

How you gonna celebrate?

Photo by SiefkinDR via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by SiefkinDR via Wikimedia Commons

You know it don’t matter none if you have a sprawlin’ farm or a teensy tiny apartment balcony, you can grow a garden of beautiful blooms for the birds and the bees, butterflies, and other wild neighbors.

Photo by Forest Wander via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Forest Wander via Wikimedia Commons

Why fill a hummingbird feeder when you can offer flowers instead?

Photo by Charlesjsharp via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Charlesjsharp via Wikimedia Commons

And, if you live in an urban setting, your garden will help restore a little oasis of nature where  mostly concrete prevails. Just ask this cozy mourning dove …

Photo by Louis Bennett via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by Louis Bennett via Wikimedia Commons

The National Wildlife Federation offers the following tips for tailoring your garden to wildlife (click on a tip to learn how):

  1. Provide Food for Wildlife
  2. Supply Water
  3. Create Cover
  4. Give Wildlife a Place to Raise Young

Once you’ve established these four essential elements to make a healthy and sustainable wildlife habitat, the NWF encourages you to join thousands of gardeners across the country who have qualified for the Certified Wildlife Habitat program.

Now THAT’S somethin’ to celebrate!

  1. Elizabeth says:

    Thanks for the links. I had them on my “Favorites” list awhile back…or so I thought…I have a lot on my “Favorites” list these days;-) Now the ‘NWF’ is back on my favorites list again & I’ve already tapped the site twice this morning just to make sure I’m not missing anything:-) I do Love my garden~the time enjoyed in it (working or relaxing) & so many creations that fly, hop or worm their way in!

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Our Spring has been unusually cool in my part of Florida. The result has been our flowers are flourishing and beautiful. Usually by May, the Winter petunias and pansies are all exhausted. This year is a totally different story. Everything is looks happy in the flower gardens and pots. The long hot summer will arrive soon enough so we plan to be outside and enjoy our flowers for as long as possible!

  3. Kristina says:

    I try to plant petunias for the hummingbirds that visit my porch. The wrens usually take up in our bird houses too. We still have a chance for a frost, so I can’t plant much until Mother’s Day.

  4. Terry Steinmetz says:

    I can finally plant some flower seeds for the pleasure of watching all the birds & butterflies. I’ve enjoyed the hummingbirds sipping from my bleeding hearts in the past years & look forward to it again. With 18 acres of fields mostly open, the wildflowers keep the butterflies & moths fed. I still like to have something for them closer to the house.

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First Camping Trip of the Year!

We’ve had the most beautiful weather this past week. While Mom and NannyJane were traveling to a farmgirl glamping gathering in Kansas (stay tuned for their posts), Dad took Mia, me, and our pup camping last weekend.

camping bridge

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  1. Elizabeth says:

    What a cool dad you have! Your camping trip looks like so much fun. The pictures are great, I especially like the first one…it seems to take your readers’ right along the path. Thanks for sharing:-)

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Camping with Dad looks like the ideal way to spend a weekend! The Salmon River is gorgeous and I never knew it had white beaches. Wow! I am glad that you all had a chance to get away all by yourselves for some adventures and campfire cooking! Did you make some s’mores?

  3. Terry Steinmetz says:

    So glad you had a wonderful time camping. And keep practicing on the fishing, as it is so-o-o much fun!!! Tell your dad he is great!

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  1. I have a picture of my collie dog looking just like this! Wish I could show you…

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ON the farm and IN the barn

I’m thinking I better not miss this one. How about you? The marriage of Junkin’ + Glampin’ is happenin’ June 14 & 15 on Valley Chapel Road in Walla Walla, Washington, and you’re invited. Check it out at loveofjunk.com and then get yourself signed up for one of their campsites or just auto on over for a weekend of junkin’ (better bring an empty trunk, though).

get_out-walla_wall-002

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    This would be fun! I bet there are going to be some awesome finds, not to mention, a great opportunity to grab a friend for a thrifting day extraordinaire!

  2. CJ Armstrong says:

    Wish we could . . . but, “Birdie” and I have to be headed back home, leaving the fair state of Idaho on June 13th. Oh well! We are certainly looking forward to our glamping road trip to Washington, Idaho and Utah just before that!
    CJ

  3. Rene Groom says:

    I am really looking forward to this event. I will be hosting all the glampers so please hurry and get your spot reserved – glamping at this event is free and we will have lots and lots of fun. You may reserve your spot at http://www.loveofjunk.com

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  1. Terry Steinmetz says:

    Now what is she thinking?

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    She is a pretty girl! I love the hens with the copper penny feathers.

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Glamping Sites to Visit in 2013: Day 6 of 15

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your glam campin’ on.

And so, we’re back for a 6th day of where to glamp in 2013. Colorado has long been an untouched wilderness teeming with elk and undisturbed Mammoth trees, and every season will please.

Dunton Hot Springs
Colorado

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, Dunton Hot Springs is an oasis of thick, fluffy snow in winter; hues of yellow and gold in fall; bright-blue, crystal-clear skies in spring; and warm, languid, heat during the summer.

get_out-sixth_place_glamp2

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Wow, this place looks so fun and unique. I am so glad you are showing us all of these great ideas for getting out and seeing America with a one of a kind experience.!!

  2. CJ Armstrong says:

    AND, if you come this way, be sure to hollar at me! I live less than 50 miles from Dunton Hot Springs. You see that it is near the Dolores River?? My mail comes from Dolores, Colorado, which is also by the Dolores River just down river from Dunton.
    Gorgeous part of the world! And the San Juan Mountains are “my mountains”!! I see them from my kitchen window!
    CJ

  3. Debbie Walker says:

    Ahhhhh!! Just LOOKING at the campsites was refreshing……..can’t imagine what it would be like to actually be camping there!!!!

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Glamping Sites to Visit in 2013: Day 5 of 15

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your glamorous campin’ on.

And so, we’re back for a 5th day of where to glamp in 2013. Enchanted by the Wild West?

Grand Canyon Ranch
Arizona

With activities like wagon rides, a bison safari, and overnight campouts, Grand Canyon Ranch is the place to connect with your inner cowgirl. Git yer’ family’s wagon train a-moving to this picturesque setting situated just 16 miles from the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon.

get_out-fifth_glamp2

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Whoa, this would be way too much fun! Prairie girl camping sounds like a dream!

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farm_romance-4561

  1. Elizabeth says:

    Oh no! It looks as if a Cowbird has molested another bird’s nest; I had this happen too. I’m afraid this highjacking & replacement of eggs will happen here again with a Black-Capped Chickadee pair which are trying so hard to keep invaders away. But sadly, the BCC almost always lose when it comes to defending a territory or nest. I had to chase a couple of Carolina Wrens away from the Chickadee nest just the other morning. It’s no wonder so many nests are abandoned by the American song birds; it looks like exhausting work, building & then defending them!

  2. Winnie Nielsen says:

    What bird lays different size eggs???? Or are these eggs from different birds just for a beautiful photo? Here in the South, the American Robin lays pretty blue eggs.

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Glamping Sites to visit in 2013: Day 4 of 15

Now that you’ve read my book, Glamping with MaryJane, you need to find a fabulous place to get your glam campin’ on.

And so, we’re back for a 4th day of where to glamp in 2013. Ready to sink your teeth into a sweet Georgie treetop campout?

Dancing with the Trees
Georgia

north_georgia_camping

Take in the sights and heights from the top of a canopy. Feel the wonder of safely cresting the top of a branch and snuggling like a leopard into your snug “tree boat.” Dancing with the Trees will give you an unforgettable experience:

Each guest/climber stays attached to a harness and climbing rope throughout the experience while spending a peaceful night cradled in the arms of a tree. The next morning, enjoy a continental breakfast … in the trees! Then there’s a chance for more climbing.

 

 

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Wow, that seems scary to me but I can understand the lure. My idea of the ultimate is staying at MJF B&B!!

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