24 Jun Sun 2012
Toad haven!
The spring harvests are coming to an end. The last of the early root crops were harvested, peas still keep producing and flowering but are past peak, and the warm, dry weather has the greens in poor condition.The jump to summer is nearly upon us.
As the spring crops finish, the beds are spread with compost and prepped for another crop. Successions of green beans, squash or cukes often follow. Some get carrots or beets, it depends on the rotations. Always planting, always improving...
Dry conditions has resulted in wildlife adaptations. With irrigation on the field a lot of visitors use the opportunity to get the moisture they need. Clouds of butterflies drink from the moistened soil. Ground squirrels tunnel into the heavily damp areas to meet their needs. Birds use the overhead lines and the bug bounty to fill-up. I was collecting hose the other day and was stepping through a bed when a happy toad hopped by. A welcome resident going about its life in harmony with the farm.
Smiles...Farmer Pete