The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
Wrens will nest in many odd places! They have nested in a pot of ivy on our porch. In the motor transom of our pontoon boat. In hanging flower pots on our porch. Thy build a neat domed shape nest. They also tolerate us being near them although, we try to not bother them... oh, I almost forgot about the one that nested in a towel drapped over our boat! We once removed a nest of eggs from the boat and carefully placed it on a nearby hanging ladder in hopes mommy would find it while we went to the lake. Mommy found the nest and I was lucky enough to peek into the nest as one baby was hatching!
ReplyDeleteWrens will nest in many odd places! They have nested in a pot of ivy on our porch. In the motor transom of our pontoon boat. In hanging flower pots on our porch. Thy build a neat domed shape nest. They also tolerate us being near them although, we try to not bother them... oh, I almost forgot about the one that nested in a towel drapped over our boat! We once removed a nest of eggs from the boat and carefully placed it on a nearby hanging ladder in hopes mommy would find it while we went to the lake. Mommy found the nest and I was lucky enough to peek into the nest as one baby was hatching!
ReplyDeleteAnd they build quickly. I have to be careful to close the big garage door during spring and summer. Otherwise, they will build in there before I know what they are up to. Clothes pin bags, caps, etc. are all quickly claimed.
ReplyDeleteI hope your wren appreciates the house and the quiet spot you've found for it...Now I must check out ebay! gail
ReplyDeleteGail, let me know if you need the seller info and I'll send you his link.
ReplyDeletePhillip you wasted your money. I've had one up for years, and another at my old home. They'll pick out the weirdest places to nest, I have one that likes fertilizer and peat moss bags right under the bird house. Give them a hanging basket and they'll probably use that. I had one that kept coming through the dog door on the back garage and building a pot in my little lawn trailer. I thought I had discouraged it after 3 times of throwing the nest away until I found the remains of hatched egg shells on the floor. She had gone up higher and built in a pot up on the shelf. In the 100+ temps we had and inside a closed up garage, they didn't make it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great wren home to me! Even if not a wren, I am sure some sort of bird will love it.
ReplyDeleteI have found their nests in odd places too. Its true about leaving the garage door open-they will have a nest built in hours! They are fun little birds. Enjoy! Carol
ReplyDeleteWonderful!!! Good luck!
ReplyDeletethe state employees credit union in my area sells birdhouses, maybe that will be the case for your town as well... Also, wrens around here nest literally in the stupidest places imaginable. They are not very smart nest builders, hopefully they will see your place and jump in! Last year they made a nest in one of the pots I had on the ground under the porch. Not a great place to avoid predators, wrens! Maybe next time try a tree!!
ReplyDeleteI love how sassy wrens are. Last year they moved into the bluebird house after the bluebirds moved out and retrofit their nest to their standards. They used the original nest to lay their eggs but added sticks to function as a ladder in and out of the nest. It was pretty awesome. I'm sure your house will be full soon. :o)
ReplyDeleteJen, I tried finding someone local without any success. I used to see people selling them at flea markets but I don't think we even have a flea market anymore.
ReplyDeleteMary, the house is also supposed to be good for chickadees. If the wrens don't use it, surely another bird will.
Ours like to nest in hanging baskets or the mail basket.
ReplyDeletehttp://peekaboo.smugmug.com/Animals/Carolina-wren-fledgling/8145376_CP78G3#!i=531405289&k=mLJPDjh
Very nice addition to the garden. Hope your wren makes it a permanent home:)
ReplyDeleteYes, let's hope that this becomes a permanent home and not just a temporary wrental! Wrens are wonderful birds although we don't hve Carolina Wrens here we do have others. Beautiful bird house!
ReplyDeleteI hope you will have success with wrens moving into your new home. I used to have bluebird boxes but never had any luck. Carolina wrens used to nest in my wreaths on the door...or in a potted hanging plants!
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