The Wild Garden

Thistle - Non-Native Invasive

Sunflowers

Colorful Sap from a Damaged Cherry Tree

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Bumble Bee on Lamb's Ear

Dead Nettle - Non Native Invasive

Fungi (Species?)

Barn Owl Fledglings

Preying Mantis

Wingstem

Fungi (Species?)

Berries in Bloom

Who Lives Here?

Honey Locust Seed Pods

Chickadee

Chicken of the Woods

Black Walnuts

Toad

Wheel Bugs

Box Turtle

Fallen Maple Leaves - Winter Refuge for Insects

Magnolia

Fungi (Species?)

Black Walnuts

Snapping Turtle

Back of a Swallowtail

The Secret Garden is on land that was once a large dairy farm. Over the years, the land was damaged by buildings, heavy farm equipment, monocultures, and the animals. We hope that over time the land will recover and there are signs that it is happening. The plants, birds, and other critters in these photographs show that a diverse ecosystem is emerging. As you can see, there are still non-native invasive plants that will be difficult to eradicate. So, we pick our battles and, for now, leave those that do the least damage. But there are also wild and unruly native pioneers that are rebuilding the soil while sheltering and feeding our native wildlife. And every year, there are more! The best thing we can do to help nature thrive is provide food and shelter in the form of native plants. Even a tiny balcony garden makes a difference.

Toad

Fungi (Species?)

Goldenrod (Doesn't make you sneeze!)