I CONFESS: It’s true love–between me and Jack the Demon Cat, that is. But as with any couple, sometimes we need some distance. When he’s had enough of me, Jack heads outside to the giant stacked-up pots overwintering on the back porch to grab some alone time. Jack in the Pot—not in the Pulpit, or the Box. Jack of my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day from both of us.
THE LECTURE that he’s been giving for a number of years is not-so-subtly called “Kill Your Lawn.” Ecological horticulturist Dan Jaffe Wilder knows that starting over and creating an entire native habitat instead of a lawn isn’t for everyone. But Dan just wants to grab our attention and get us to start to make some changes at least in the way we care for the turfgrass we do want in our landscapes. And maybe give up a little square footage of it to some other kind of more diverse planting, too, like the wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana, inset). Alternative, more eco-focused styles of lawn care, along with some lawn alternatives is what he and I talked about on the podcast. Dan is Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts, and its 8,000-acre sanctuary. He’s also co-author with Mark Richardson of the book “Native Plants for New England Gardens.”
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
too funny..love the picture. Happy Valentines day to you and Jack too!
Hi and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Jack! I just started your new book and am enjoying it very much.
Thanks, Vickie. So glad to hear you like the book! What good news.
Lovely Valentine!
Cute cat! I also got the book recently and I am enjoying it.
lucky Jack!
I do love the way Jack has wormed his furry way into your heart. Happy Belated Valentines Day!
I love Jack……………..you too Margaret for all that you give us thru your website.
Thank you!
More pictures of Jack would be lovely!
Isn’t he a handsome man, Wendy? I have come to love him and rely on him so much — such an unexpected experience for someone who didn’t really think of having a house pet until he showed up.
Love that picture!!!! Mr Buster and I had a great Valentine’s day a s well, my sweet little lord and master. Savoring Parables Margaret. Food for the soul. Look forward to seeing and hearing more from your precious furry Valentine……
What a handsome Valentine, and he’s already dressed in a black suit and white shirt :)
Just got your book – absolutely love it!
So sweet! “Jack in the Pot” reminds me of my grandaughter Isabella’s first days in this world – her Mom had to stay in the hospital while she came home with Dad each night & return to her Mom for feeding for about a week. He transported her in the baby seat and called her “Portabella” … she is now known as Bella.
I love, love, love the stories of Jack the Demon Cat. I have found over and over that people who say they don’t like cats have never personally known one. Since cats are supposed to be the only animals to have domesticated themselves, they can go feral at any time. Other domestic animals are not supposed to be able to do that. Yet they choose to share our lives. We’re the lucky ones because they don’t really need us. I love dogs, but cats just go with gardens.
Thanks, Ruth. My guy stayed wild for the first 5 or 6ish years I knew him, coming to get kibble in a shed here, and sleeping in there (especially in the cold months) but never coming into the house other than a minute or two out of curiosity. Then things changed a few years ago. Now, I suspect he’d prefer that I move into the shed sometimes. :)