ALGAE—especially tenacious filamentous string algaes or blanket weed—can quickly turn a water garden into a battleground. I have been enjoying, and managing, two in-ground, rubber-lined garden pools for more than 20 years, and you know what? It’s not that hard, despite the sometimes-tenacious, gooey green stuff. And most important: There is no other feature of the garden that brings more joy—or sustains more wildlife, from birds to dragonflies, salamanders to frogs–than a pool or pond. My essential spring water-garden care tips: [read more…]
frogboys
I shouldn't play favorites, but I guess the amphibian species and especially frogs are my favorite co-inhabitants of the garden, constantly amusing me with their antics and utterances (and eating a good share of unwanted pests).
springtime water-garden care tips
April 23, 2013 at 7:57 am
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slideshow: appreciating september’s offerings
September 14, 2012 at 12:05 pm
WITH THE FIRST COLD NIGHTS (we hit 41 degrees F Monday!) I’m suddenly invigorated–and overtaken by two impulses: to nest and get cozy (including tossing out loads of things), and to edit the garden (additions and subtractions both lie ahead). While plotting my plans, look what beauties I noticed through my camera lens in the almost-fall landscape: [read more…]
slideshow and podcast: august gratitude list
August 6, 2012 at 9:51 am
BROWN PATCHES of lawn and garden widen daily, and the “grass” is now a minefield of yellow-jacket nests. Ouch! But the hummingbirds dance around me while I weed, and the tadpoles have suddenly hatched into dozens of tiny frogs (boing, boing, boing!) and an older frog poses on a begonia leaf…and I’m grateful to be here, anyhow, if a little tired and crispy. [read more…]
my frog prince: ‘duckweed is the new black’
July 18, 2012 at 6:10 am
AS BECKY, A READER ON FACEBOOK, said when I posted this the other day: “Duckweed is the new black.” Yes, this frogboy (a male green frog in all-over yellow mating color…with duckweed spangles) is hotness personified. I’ll let you know how our first date goes, and if I manage to get a kiss.
three’s company? a poolside frogboy pile-up
July 5, 2012 at 9:01 am
I DON’T EVEN KNOW how to explain this one, except to point out they are all male frogs, and it didn’t end well. This poolside pile-up continued until the one on the upper deck managed to capsize the lot, and a fight ensued that lasted most of the day. (You can click the photo to see it a little larger, by the way.)
