In Molly's Meadow

(Borrowed from Lori of In Heywood's Meadow and Camp Creek Blog)

Well, it's not really a meadow, and I'm certainly no Thoreau; it's just my backyard, and there is a lot going on.

A few bags of cover crop seeds and 20 fruit trees have transformed our backyard from a dirt bowl to a destination. I went out back to hang laundry on the line yesterday, and was immediately distracted from my task by this bumble bee.

I followed him all around the yard with my camera. I wish he would have stayed longer. Maybe he'll tell his friends about our place. It seems we have about 100 honey bees for each bumble bee.



I love the honey bees just as much, of course, but it's all too easy to take what's common for granted. The blossoms don't seem to mind who does the job, just as long as someone carries the pollen.





The blueberries, raspberries and apples are just about ready to open up for bee business.



The stink bugs are getting down to business. I've seen plenty of them connected by their south ends only, but this is the first pair I've seen in a rapturous embrace. Or should I say wrestling for the sake of the younger crowd out there?



The hops are certainly glad to be out of pots and in the ground. I'm praying they survive and flourish - I can already imagine a hop header come late summer.



Just look how the baby chicks are growing. They love to hide in our jungle of Daikon radish and mustard. Little do they know that, sniff, sniff, the radish and mustard are just about ending their sojourn in our meadow, and will be replaced with melons and squash in the next few months. Good thing the purple vetch, sweet peas and clover are gearing up to host the bugs.



I'll definitely invite the radish and mustard back next fall. They have been most instrumental in the transformation of our backyard. Armed with my sunhat, camera and book, I'm heading back out to my meadow today to ponder the miracle of Spring.