Hello All,

For those of you that might be interested, here's an end of the season pic of our brand new garden. In the very corner of the yard I grew a Russian Giant Sunflower which I've been trying to keep the squirrels from until it's ready to be harvested for seeds...not easy when one is trying to keep the birds from being frightened too...


And here's our 1st visit of one of the squirrels checking things out today. It's that time of year again...


Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5

So neet and orderly Susan Louise! and the squirrel is a bonus for sure.

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

That's some squirrel!! What type of birdhouse is that Susan Louise? A wren house? Have any birds used it? You've probably said in other posts. I'm sorry I don't remember.

I enjoyed seeing the hummers and your dad in your other post. I loved seeing the "tree" you'd made for the hummers! Are you planning on planting a tree in your yard this fall?

Carol

Carol R
Tennessee
USDA Hardiness Zone 7
Heat Zone 7

Gosh! Your garden is so nice and orderly. Mine is an overgrown disaster but it keeps the hummers and butterflies happy...and my husband sad.

Very pretty! If you would like more squirrels I have a few dozen that I can ship to you!

Patti--Zone 8
Mobile, AL

Hello Carol,

Thank you! Well, if we lived on a larger piece of land, we'd love to have some trees for shade. Unfortunately, there is no room for one. Two of our neighbors have 3 trees between them that have branches that come over our side of the fence line which provides lots of protection and perching for many birds...as well as berries and cherries to eat. What space we have left in the back yard is needed for when I put out all the seed/suet feeders for the birds in the winter. I also don't want to have shade in any of our gardens since they are all "full sun" plants/bushes...perennials and annuals. It's just not practical for us. If we had at least 1/4 acre, we'd have plenty of room for a nice tree. The birds now have plenty of cover and protection in our yard. I just planted 3 clumps of ornamental grasses, they have a entire row of honeysuckle to hide in and as you saw, a new birdhouse for wrens. I'm planning on adding a couple more birdhouses of different varieties for next Spring.
I'm thrilled you had lots of Goldfinches this Summer! I hope you are getting lots of hummers passing through now and visiting you!


Hello Patti,

Thank you very much....
Well, I just mowed the yard and trimmed with the edger yesterday and took the pic today. My gardens aren't always so neat and tidy. I do have areas that need to be trimmed from time to time just like you. The grass was nearly 10 inches tall before I mowed it yesterday because I've been so busy with my dad. I know my DH could easily do it, but I choose to because it's just a small part of my way of contributing to our home since I don't currently have a job to help financially.
As far as you offering us some squirrels...a dozen or 2 you say? In addition to our 6 on less than an 1/8 of an acre? Your generosity should be commended, but I'll have to pass. Here's a pic of our resident family from last winter...crossing fingers that the family chose to forgo multiplying this summer...


Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5

Susan Louise
Even your squirrels are nice and orderly

Penny
Niagara Falls, NY
USDA zone 6a/6b
Heat zone 4
Sunset zone 39

Susan Louise that little guy looks like he is holding out a platter! what delightful pics. Next iron chef?
Lovely garden!

Cheri (akahummymummy,vancouver, b.c.canada z8)

Hello Cheri,

Thank you!
The next iron chef...HA!
I know he wasn't happy to see me when I took the pic...and probably thinking...nobody here but us furry hummers!

Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5

Now that is one determined squirrel! I have also had one of mine jump up on the Hummzinger feeder - but they have not done so lately since my garden has grown up so tall they don't see the trellis jumping off point which leaves me relieved. The bees are now more of a bother than the squirrels...

Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Susan Louise,
when I saw that picture as the forum heading today, I just had to smile! They are the most persistent creatures! As annoying as they can be, there is certainly an entertainment factor! Thanks for the early morning grin...

Emily
Western MA

It is so hard for me to believe that y'all have these creatures and deer. I live in the country surrounded by woods, pastures, fields, streams, and little rivers and all I get is snakes.

I love the picture.

Dianne
Southeast Alabama
Heat Zone 8
Sunset Zone 31

Bad squirrel. Bad, bad, squirrel!

Hello Carol, Emily, Dianne and Kristin,

Glad I could amuse and bring a smile to some faces!
Yes Kristin, BAD squirrel...LOL

And thanks Bob for having the pic as header of the day!

Susan Louise
from Branford CT/ live in Lincoln NE
Zone 5