I have gardened organically for as long as I can remember. Bees are my friends
I still remember so well the first morning here. The shock when I opened the shed doors. A chemical cocktail greeted me.
It can take up to ten years to rid a garden of chemicals.
I am in my ninth year.
When I capture a Blue Tit with a caterpillar in it's beak, all is well with my world.
We pay for plants, and seeds. Wildlife is free.
Each creature has a purpose.
Poppi is helping me rid the pond of blanket weed. We put any creature back that we find. I am teaching her to respect the creatures that share our planet.
She knows more than I realise. It is in her.........she follows the same path as her Grand-mother.
Happy Sunday safari.
20 comments:
Love your photos, Cheryl. Your garden is amazing. When I was a small boy, I was very afraid of bees, from being stung several times when I thought that I was minding my own business but the bees and wasped begged to differ. I now like them a lot and find them fascinating. I still have a little fear of wasps though.
Poppi is such a cute little girl. She reminds me of my granddaughter, whom I will see in less than a week. I can hardly wait - it has been 6 months! The time you spend with Poppi will be with her the rest of her days.
Enjoy the day.
I agree with no chemicals, the only one I used in the last few years in a few sprays of a mildew spray for powdery mildew on my crape myrtles. Don't use anything, beautiful photos, especially like you telling your grand-daughter to respect all life in the garden, thanks ! Gina
Beautiful pictures yet again Cheryl. I would imagine that insects are not nearly so abundant where chemicals are used - a high price to pay for less weeds if you get so much pleasure from wildlife. You're garden looks fantastic without the use of chemicals anyway!
Poppi must be a real gem to have helping in the garden!
Dan
-x-
Such lovely photos again, Cheryl... and always portraying that wonderful sense of serenity.
The little Blue Tit looks so pretty among the blossom and I always love seeing the bees in your garden.
How well you are guiding pretty Poppi (even her lovely name fits your garden), as you say 'it is in her' but how could it not be? she has your genes and every happy moment spent with you will remain with her for life. You are bestowing a great gift upon her.
Hi Art, I believe many children carry a fear of bees.
Personally I never did.
I have always had a love of them.
Six months is too long. You must be so excited to see the little one. I do hope that you spend some happy and memorable time together.
Best wishes.....
Hi Gina....thank you.
Have you tried well diluted cider vinegar for mildew. I have never used it but have been told it is very successful provided it is used at the first sign.
Hi Dan,
It is all down to personal choice isn't it?
For me, it has never been an option.
I do not like chemicals full stop.
Bad for me, bad for the environment.
We all have the right to make choices......
Hi Jan
Thank you.....I do so hope that Poppi will be able to carry her love of her nature with her, for the rest of her life.
My parents and grand father showed me the way....I will always be grateful to them.
How is the weather....better today??
That first photo is an amazing capture, but so is the last one.
It is pouring rain here on Sunday afternoon. I am relaxing and enjoying every drop that falls.
Dear Cheryl,
Seeing your butterflies is very exciting. Your photographs just get better and better. I feel as if I am right with you! Thank you. Too cold and wet here for bugs! I do miss them. It will warm up and they will return.
Your Damselfly is also a very beautiful sight. I do love them so very much...and the bees. Oh my, your bee is gorgeous.
Poppi and you are blessed. You have each other, always. It is inspiring how you are passing the gift of respect and love for Nature down to your Grandchildren, just as this gift was given to you.
Did your Grandparents or parents keep a journal? It would be so wonderful to read the accounts kept by your family. Poppi can write hers too and someday pass down to her children and grandchildren the care and love for the sacred garden.
I also have always gardened organically. I love seeing the leaves of the Paw-paw eaten, it means the caterpillers of the Zebra Swallowtail are alive and well. It is the relationship of the birds and the bugs and the blooms I am so very interested in.
Your photograph of the Blue Tit and the caterpiller tells the story! A well balanced garden is food for the soul.
Thank you for safari. I enjoyed being with you this afternoon.
I think I shall go fix a cup of co-co! It is chilly at my house.
Sherry
Hi Lisa......glad you are enjoying the rain....I expect the plants are to!!
Dear Sherry......grandmother kept a journal, sadly it has been lost with time.
My mother keeps a journal to this day. I have many tucked away. Sometimes I bring one out and read at bedtime.
I shall encourage Poppi to keep a journal......she is developing artistic skills. She has a wonderful eye for colour.
It is wonderful to see the bugs back. I am taking my gardens back in time.....I plan two years to see the changes fully.
I thank you sincerely for your encouragement and foresight......
Happy Sunday safari.....
Hi Cheryl, a lovely post - peaceful and tranquil as always.
Cheryl, I thought of you when I saw the happy bees at Sissinghurst! They were working a tree peony and I was just so pleased to see that the beautiful flower invited bees to visit the garden. A lovely post and Poppi is adorable. Wished I could have seen you when I visited the UK. gail
What a lovely post, Cheryl! You are an excellent example of what one person can do to restore a little bit of the earth to its natural state and the joy found in doing just that. Poppi is so lucky to have you as a role model.
I was very pleased during my Master Gardener training that the emphasis was always on natural remedies for pest control. I've always been a little worried about being next to fields of crops that are sprayed with pesticides each year. But we learned that farmers are generally more responsible about pesticide use and that homeowners are responsible for most of the pesticide runoff in our waterways. If only more people would learn to appreciate the dandelions in their lawn!
Dear Rose....thank you, the journey here has been a challenge but worth all the time and effort.
I am thrilled the master class teaches some of the old ways.
I use many in my gardens....including spraying plants that have mould with diluted cider vinegar. It works for me. We must all make our own choices.....
Tku for sharing the info re farmers and pesticides. Love hearing about your classes.
I think the fact that your gardens are a refuge for bees and butterflies and yes, even rabbits, speaks volumes for your efforts to create a safe haven free from chemicals. I am thrilled that Poppi is following in your footsteps. Your legacy will live on for generations to come. The last picture of Poppi is precious.
Thank you Marnie...I do hope so.
Somehow I think that they just might......
Dear Cheryl,
Absolutely stunning captures of the wildlife you so beautifully care for and appreciate. I share your love for every ounce of value each critter adds to the garden. They are a delight to observe. Like you, I am teaching my kiddos to respect all life ... even the wildlife we find in our world.
It looks so peaceful in your beautiful garden. I had a look through some of your recent posts and your garden looks like it is coming to full life after your rough winter.
Always a joy to visit.
Meems
Cheryl, I've been absent due to getting a new floor (WOOD!) and attending my 45th high school reunion in Sam Francisco. You epitomize the "organic" approach to gardening. And Poppi is a delight - I'm hoping "the Elliot" is so apt a student! Thanks for helping to bring me back to "reality."
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