This is a small spot along a roadside where folks throw trash, mostly plant clippings and a few bottles and the like. It's a bit larger than this photo overall. First impressions from most people might be something like, "messy", "weedy", and "unsightly". It contains however, several types of native plants and supports so much life! I gathered a Monarch caterpillar from the one of the now eaten Milkweed plants to be raised indoors until it becomes a butterfly. I gave up after counting nearly 100 Bumblebees and Carpenter bees covered in bright yellow pollen....and the smell!! How I wish I could convey that sense to you thru the computer screen! Nothing short of heavenly
The nettles sting but are a host plant for a few beautiful butterflies like Questions Marks and Commas.
The place is only 2 minutes from my workplace along my drive home. I pulled over again today afterwards planing to look for a just a moment, but stayed for half an hour watching the bees and sniffing. How that recharged my stressed mind and body! If more of us would commit to planting with nature in mind, and less for gardens that are overly neat and tidy but foolishly lifeless; what could we accomplish towards enriching the environment not to mention our souls?
