Necessity is the Mother of Invention...

"Kitty"

Mama was so clever and creative. Her motto chimes in my head like a mantra everytime I need a better way of doing things. Mama would say---

"Necessity is the Mother of Invention." I remember this little phrase when I need it and before long I'm brainstorming solutions to problems and inventing ways to make living on here on earth a little better. It works try it.
Problem - Everytime I put the seed into this coconut shell bird feeder, the larger birds knock it out in one fell swoop.

Solution- Take a knee -high nylon stocking and slip it over the half shell. Then with the extra stocking left hanging....reverse and double up. Poke a hole in the stocking and stretch it wide open. I filled mine with sunflower hearts.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention...

Make the hanging string long enough to deter the squirrels from hanging by their toes to reach it. My feeder has been out there 3 days so far and the squirrels haven't been able to get it yet. Although it's comical watching them try.

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This is an edit to the above post.

It is now May 15th

I think I should tell you that not too long after this post, the squirrels had their way with the coconut bird feeder. They ripped the stocking to shreds, chewed up the edges of the coconut and and yanked it completely down from the tree.

They must lay in their little beds at night scheming in their dreams.

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Say No to Mud

These are pictures of last spring in my backyard.

A little while ago I got a magazine in the mail and I was meaning to share a little of it with you. It's called Birds and Blooms. It only comes out every other month so I'm constantly going to my back issues for my garden fixes. I love looking at gardens. Flowers make me happy. I have shelves of gardening books and magazines. I can never get bored with anything in nature.

Living in New England has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to keeping a garden.

Sometimes after a long cold winter we're over anxious to get out and get things started.

I would just like to pass on this bit of info for any impatient gardeners out there reading this.

This wisdom holds true no matter where you live.

I'll write it here for those that can't read the picture.

Working soil that is too wet can actually cause long term damage.

Squeeze a handful of soil --- if it crumbles through your fingers, you're ready to garden.
Otherwise give it a few days to dry.

xox ~Elaine