On a rainy Friday, as Nichole fizzled out, November 11, Veterans Day, I started putting out Christmas Santas. Shutter—before Thanksgiving! Well, at least it was after Holloween. I’m not putting everything out, just most of the Santas. I’m holding back the ones going in the dining room until after turkey day. Then we got a cold front through Sunday, November 12, so I decided to organize the rest of my Christmas decorations.
I have so many Santas, at least 50, that I’m having trouble storing. I have room in the attic, but getting them in and out each year is getting old, as am I. This year, I earmarked one of my huge red bins for Christmas for the kids. This will go into the attic and remain there until they have their own homes. After Christmas this year, I’m sure I will add more.
If you think I have a lot of Santas, you should see my ornament collection.
I tend to like change. It can be lonely in a changing world, but sometimes change can be welcomed, particularly in how I communicate this blog. Most of what was listed after the monthly photo journey has been moved to the directory. So now, if you want information on wildlife, for example, instead of scrolling down, you can just click under WILDLIFE to the right when you hover over the three-bar directory.
I hope you find this more useful! Let me know what you think!
We often think we want to have something planted for the wildlife to feed year-rounds. Typically what comes to mind are flowers and berries. But I have a question for you—Do you leave the leaves? It’s a good idea! I do, and I’m the crazy lady in your neighborhood collecting leaves from the street. I really like it when I find native oaks, maples, and elms. There’s a lot of life down there! Feed The Wildlife!!!! Just as important is the FREE Mulch! Our goal in sustainable gardening is not to buy products when nature gives them to us for free!
Leaves don’t have to be kept where they fall. Rake them and put into your garden beds. There is a lot of food in there and life. Don’t move them over. Would you like to be mowed over?
If you are worried about the leaves blowing around, they will flatten once a good rain comes. Often, I’ll find a chipping service to dump if I have enough or work with a neighbor to share. I can then put it over the leaves for it all to the last longer.
Bee Better Naturally with Helen Yoest had another competition garden at the NC State Fair. We won second prize; of course we should have won first!
Back (40) feet North to South.
Many of the annual cutbacks went here to compost. The area was then covered with street-collected leaves.
Mixed Border, South to North.
The Wildlife Pond. Another winter project. I said I wasn’t going to do it, but I am.
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Glossary
Until soon,
Helen
#WeCanAllBeeBetter!