This past week has flown by. With the weather being in the 60's and 70's, many a task was accomplished . The potting shed now has framed windows. Hoot! Since they are pressure treated, I must wait at minimum, two months before they can be painted. Rats! On the inside, however, another shelf was added to the storage area. All the windows have brass hooks and eyes, so the windows may be secured. The armoire/desk, which was damaged due to the old leaking roof, has been repaired. I put a new top and back on the piece, and all that is left to do is repair the left door. I brought the antique green table from the back porch into the shed. It is seven feet long, so it fits nicely under the South wall's window. The table started a slew of decorating idea's. More on that to follow, with photo's.This is the time of the year when Bluebirds look for real estate. They prefer a Southern exposure, with the edge of a forest close. A perch mounted on a pole, and places nearby in which the chicks may fledge, makes for the best situs. I will be placing dryer lint on a lilac shrub, so the birds will have soft nesting material. A feeder with blueberries and meal worms should entice a nice young couple to take a serious gander at one of my boxes. If I'm fortunate the pair will take up residence and I'll get to watch and enjoy their presence !
One year, when living back in Fairfax County, I moved the direction of a nesting box. I had grown weary of couples looking at the property, yet not finding it adequate for their needs of rearing a family. It proved to be the right decision, for it was facing North, and I turned it to face South. A pair of Chick-a-dees had decided to take advantage. These tenants promptly built a nest and layed four eggs. The eggs hatched and four nestlings were brought into the world. I noticed within a day or two, a pair of Bluebirds checking out the box. To my surprise, they swept in, removed the brood, and made their nest upon the old Chick-a-dee's nest! I was horrified and started to research. I thought I had murderous birds on hand! Apparently, if the real estate is prime, the Bluebirds will do this and it is not uncommon.
Lesson learned, face the house South!
Another bird I'm particularly found of is the Goldfinch. When I see a swarm of the males, it takes my breath away. I've mounted a thistle feeder on the back corner of the potting shed. Now that I have the huge back window, it allows for great birding and if I'm lucky, I'll get to observe the male goldfinches as they turn from a dull mustard to a bright neon yellow. I will be planting Echinacea ( coneflowers ) and Rudbeckia ( black eyed Susans ) to entice these vibrant beauties. If you are in the Atlantic Corridor, these flowers do very well. As for the Echinacea, many delightful new cultivars have been created. Raspberry is not the only color, the shades are quite abundant and run from apricot to green, even varigated!
Along with the work on the shed, I was allowed a late Winters treat. I actually was permitted to start planting. Here in the Mid Atlantic region , cold weather crops may be planted. I jumped at the chance to get dirty. Lettuce, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach were the crops of choice. I also managed to plant a sour cherry tree which had a great root system. Photo's to follow.
