Spring in the Northern Rockies is a particular rebirth after so many months of of cold and snow . The seasons are very distinct . There is no mistaking the slide from Winter to Spring here. That is one of the allures for me, the seasonal definition of the passing time . A hike close by on some state land had treasures in the form of yellow and while blossoms. The arnica and western service berry are blooming . There is plenty of choke cherry and wild lily of the Valley, and Hooker's fairy bells. I was actually excited to find a fairly large Serviceberry blooming in the front forest . One of my projects is to bring in more diverse species on my modest tract of land. Often logging culls the valuable timber and leaves the less valuable trees. I have a lot of Western Larch seedlings and will replant them around the area as they mature . The Honey bees are plentiful this year. The meadows had been decimated by chemical spraying due to the weed laws here . Four years of mowing and avoiding chemicals has seen a return of the bees and their wonderful presence. We have an obligation to live on the land with joy , gratitude and consideration. Is it really worth poisoning ourselves, our children and the animal and insect kingdom to have a perfect green lawn ?
beautiful beautiful wildlife - and words. no bees, no us. i am so glad to hear their population is recovering. i too value the seasons i think more and more as i age. feeling very grateful to experience them each time. and paying attention to the minicycles of spring - how there is an ebb and flow to the blooming. each taking their turn. right now my yard smells of lily of the valley. it's everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to see lowes quit selling neonicotinoid insecticides . I realize that herbicides and insecticides make for less work but we have to look at the damage at some point . You would love the little wild lily of the valley in woods here !
DeleteI love nature, too. Outside attempting to eat a sandwich and enjoy nature, up come the mosquitos and flies to "have their way" with me. Yes, I could go into a screened area, but what's a person to do?
ReplyDeleteI am lucky here in Montana as there are not a huge amount of mosquitos. However I do see them now and again. We have quite a bit of wind so they have to work to really land on you. I think if I had a high mosquito area I would be happy to use the screened in porch. Better than being bit. Lemon Eucalyptus oil has some good effect in repelling mosquitos and it is not toxic .
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