We moved to 10 acres of green lawn on newly developed farmland in 2009, and I'm restoring the land to natural habitats and gardens for wildlife. Besides developing a narrow strip of woodland edge, a large retention pond/wetland area, a 3 acre meadow, and natural springs bog, we have created 39 separate garden beds. So far, I have planted over 75 tree species and over 200 species of shrubs! Almost everything is from seed, sapling, cuttings, plant auction, or Lowe's clearance 'damage & dying' area... thank heavens.
As soon as the first things grew, the birds and pollinators flocked here, fed, nested, and deposited seeds all around. We get literally dozens of free trees, shrubs, and perennials every year because I recognize seedlings and don't pull every new sprout that appears until its known. We have chickens, ducks, and horses, which provide unbelievably rich compost and fertilizer. (Nothing comes close to duck water, believe me!) I'm constantly learning about or working on plants and gardens. I have always loved nature and this is a very exciting, fulfilling, labor of JOY!
