Ordered 2 more Caragana arborescens seedlings from Burnt Ridge, as well as Hippophae rhamnoides and an everbearing mulberry to develop perennial domestic bird forage and shade layers with usable human fruits.
Bonus effect of these and the also-ordered evergreen huckleberries and future salal is they will draw and host wild birds, with the native huckleberries and salal especially supporting native species, including hummingbirds.
Caragana and Hippophae both fix nitrogen as well, enriching the surrounding soil web.
Preparing plans for how to safely and attractively raise this year’s ducklings differently from last year. I want the mamas each to have their own space, and for the brood to all be separate from the rest of the flock.
Intent to better-define the non-cedar-bedded front planting areas, but am undecided on material/aesthetics, though rocks or logs all magically of uniform shape would be ideal.
Sort of an ongoing surprise that the deer haven’t eaten the now-uncovered kales in the front yard.
Finished the last 2×8 in the back yard – next to irrigate are the two 4×4 beds, then perhaps drip noodles to some of the bagged plants.
With another filter (and, preferably, timer), I also would have the materials to do the front beds, though more mainline would almost certainly also be necessary.
Filled half the empty front yard 16″x8′ after ripping the sod and placing it upside-down in the 4×4 to let it get uncomfortable.
Transplanted Thunderbird, normal evergreen huckleberries, which were surprisingly and disappointingly well-rooted in the ‘hugel’. It will be a great place for huckles when the birds no longer have access, but now is not a safe time there.
Transplanted also the languishing lingonberry, and the worst off of the two barbecue rosemaries.
Transplanted a horseradish mothercrown to the shadow of the front yard dead stump.
Bought a 3# Little Giant hanging feeder for the pullets/future ducklings.
Filled and hung hummingbird feeder. Starlings have been hitting the suet, but I kinda’ like them, even though they’re an invasive.
The pullets have been goofing off all over their apartment, and making good use of both levels. Hanging the feeder makes a world of difference, and I’m sorry I hadn’t been doing this sooner.
For maximum security, our final bird area should include a hot wire along the ground, to discourage predator digging.
Used the yellow cedar blocks from the bag of work’s planer shavings in the main garden. Had the realization that I could have been doing snakes with the emitter line instead of separate parallels, which requires many more pieces and fidding. Will try an S on the last bed.
I wonder how easily the sawhorses/boat could be hardware-clothed in to make an area that birds could sleep safely, such as for when duckling ‘teen’ groups grow larger.
Saw a no-bathe waterfowl drinker in the Premier 1 catalogue with a just-attach-to-garden-hose autofill assembly with float. Possibly a heckin’ lifesaver.
