The Science Behind Nature - in Layperson Speak
We've got lots of carpenter bees -- visiting the Cleveland Sage in our front yard, and now laying eggs above. About a year ago I saw sawdust below an old parrot perch sitting outside and over the next few months got to witness an adult carpenter bee drilling into the wood prior to laying eggs. Then …
Continue Reading about Carpenter Bees: Reconsider Viewing Them as Pests
About a month ago, I got a letter in the mail from a termite company, Terminix, which began with the following: "Ants can be more harmful to your family than you think. That's because these monsters (and others, like cockroaches may carry more than a dozen kinds of bacteria, like strep and staph. …
You've likely seen the headlines the last few days. In our local paper, the Los Angeles Times "Pesticides suspected in mass die-off of bees" (article no longer available online) discussed mounting evidence that pesticides negatively impact bees. I've written two prior posts on the collateral damage …
Continue Reading about Pesticides Negatively Affect Human Health
One could say I’m on a bee kick. A number of my articles mention bees and despite being allergic to them – the last time I got stung I ended up in the ER, where I left with an epinephrine prescription for constant carry - they fascinate me. Our native plants attract them, the hive under …
In a follow-up to my post (Favorite Plants for Attracting Birds/Butterflies (Midwest/East) here are some favorites from two of our homes, both landscaped with natives and other wildlife-attracting plants. (See Our Conversion to Low Water Landscaping). I also asked two friends in Arizona, for their …
Continue Reading about Favorite Plants for Attracting Birds/Butterflies (California/Southwest)
In a follow-up to my post (Landscaped Yard Ushers in Butterflies and Birds) about the Damons' yard in St. Paul MN, I asked Susan for her favorite plants. Most are natives, a couple non-natives. Here is her reply (thanks Susan!) and more photos.Favorite Forbs: New England Aster (Aster …
Continue Reading about Favorite Plants for Attracting Birds/Butterflies (Midwest/East)
