YOU’D THINK HE WOULD HAVE NOTICED when he lumbered up and out of the little garden pond to his favorite perch, that he had an oak leaf stuck to his back, but no. This bullfrog spent the entire day Friday in undercover guise–as if his dull winter skin color wasn’t camouflage enough. Or maybe the brittle old leaf was some kind of frogalicious fashion statement? I often wonder what goes on in the minds of frogs.
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Definitely a fashionista frog.
Very zen :-)
Margaret,
Looking forward to your next book, “The Life and Times of Frogs”, (with photos, of course). Could be a comedy!
Thanks for sharing!
Sophia
Margaret, I am particularly fond of frogs… your guy has mine feeling frumpy!
Perhaps it was a more practically-minded approach: protecting his tender winter skin from a first-of-the-season sun indulgence- though I have to admit, it’s a damn good look! Methinks Gaga would agree.
From the look in his eyes, he didn’t want you to notice him. Love your frogs…….and all frogs.
Being a frog lover that I am . . . I agree with Juanita . . . very ZEN :)
I think he might be inspecting the pond heater. Making sure it is in working order in case there are more cold nights before summer.
He almost looks like a statue. It must be fun to have such a content resident enjoying your pond!
Welcome, Lynda. Zen, inded. They are frozen in place, the frogs. As if by being still nobody can see them.
Welcome, Bethany. Statue is exactly right. Glad to meet another frog lover.
See you both soon again, I hope.
Like Jean, my first thought was that it looks like some sort of heavy duty sunscreen. Fashion, camouflage, and sun protection…what a clever frog!
I don’t know…he has a rather “oh lordy” sort of look on his face. I only have toads cute but not as cute as this fellow. Aren’t you the lucky girl.
Hi, Norma. He is one very fat and happy bullfrog, despite just coming out from a long winter’s nap! There are more than 15 frogs today (the first warm, sunny day) out at pond-side, and it’s hilarious, like the club pool or something. See you soon.
Hi Margaret,
I love frogs too. How do you attract them to your garden? I don’t have one yet (a garden that is), but my husband and I are planning on living in a suburb with not a lot of nature around and I was wondering if there is any way to attract frogs in areas where there are no ponds etc. around?
Thanks!
Welcome, Hannah. Having a water feature is the key; I have 2 little homemade in-ground pools with recirculating water (in warm weather) and a floating de-icer (to keep a hole open so gases can escape and the frogs don’t suffocate) in winter. As soon as I created water, with these rubber-fabric-lined pools, I got frogs. With toads they love cool spots like large rocks and behind the stone steppers and so on, so creating habitat in general is the key (again, mostly water!). And not using chemicals; these creatures can’t thrive if there are chemicals killing off what they eat, and poisoning them in the process.
Thanks for your help. I can’t wait to get my own garden:)
Maybe he had an eye out for one of those oh-so-sophisticated wood frog darlings and chose the leaf to spruce himself up.
“See, Sweetie? I can blend into your world if you want to jump together. After all, this is your color, isn’t it?” “No? You like that fellow with the orange flush? Bummer. If you change your mind, I’ll be here, waiting.”
No wonder you’re so fond of your frogs! They’re so entertaining and lovable.
I love this frog
I love you Margaret!!!!
Thanks, Jeff, and welcome. The frogs and I send our very best to you.
Hahaha! How hysterical – thanks for sharing this one…I can hear the theme music playing just looking at him.
What a wonderful, insightful, informational, humorous, lovely and highly inspirational site and garden you have. I am so glad a friend directed me to your site and I look forward to keeping up with it and finding ideas for my own (very new!) garden.
Thank you!
Welcome, Aimee. So glad you found us (and so glad I found Andre all those years ago to keep me laughing!). And BTW, I have red gardening clogs, too. :) See you soon!