​The decision to write daily in my garden notebook has helped me look more closely at what is happening in my own backyard. While I usually spend time in the garden each day throughout the spring and summer and well into the fall, I have begun to take a different approach, trying to notice small changes and make new discoveries. Since many of you responded that you were looking forward to reading more, here are a few excerpts from past weeks.
 
5/4/16 Spotted a hummingbird in the front of the house – a reminder that I should put out the hummingbird feeder soon. The patio is a carpet of pink cherry tree blossoms – nature’s May snowfall. Tree swallows and sparrows seem to be in a territorial struggle for the white blue bird house.
 
5/6/16 Spent the day with flowers! After working at Longwood in the morning, I trekked out to my favorite nursery, Briar Rose, for hanging baskets, geraniums, and container plants. Best find of the day – winterberry! The bluebirds will be happy.
 
5/11/16 Bird trouble. Confirming that the nest in the white bluebird house belongs to a house sparrow, I made the decision to remove it before there are eggs. But unfortunately I was too late. I approached and knocked. No response. Carefully I opened the door and the sparrow zoomed out! As I gathered up the nest and started to lift it out, two baby birds fell to the cushion of mulch below. Knowing that I could not destroy them, I carefully placed everything back in the box. The mother returned a little later. Everything I have read indicates that house sparrows should not be allowed to live with blue birds or tree swallows as they are predators, but I feel conflicted. Might be best to let nature take its course.
 
5/12/16 Large hole in the ground by the shed. The groundhog must be back, and he did not appreciate the mulch Allan carefully spread. Is there a space for my geraniums? Is there room for everyone in the garden?
 
New discoveries, lessons learned, and lots to ponder!