Why do I garden? Maybe it’s something handed down from my ancient ancestors, but I know my mother’s side of the family, the Germans, were great gardeners. I can remember visiting beautiful gardens as a child and being captivated by flowers, ponds and shaded paths in the Iowa heat. And the Irish side of the family were no slouches either: I can still see Peonies and Irises in Grandma Ryan’s yard.
Experimentation
I’m more of an experimental gardener (or “yardener”). I’m not seeking perfection in design and color palette. I test-drive perennials to see if they live. We of the northern latitudes have “Zone Envy”, as I suppose most gardeners anywhere have: tulips in the south are a challenge, as are peaches in the north, etc. We don’t like to be told we can’t grow something.
But plants are not the only thing that one eases into through gardening. Though I don’t claim to be an expert in these areas, I just enjoy learning as I go. These include: Photography, Weather, Insects (as Pest or Guest), Birds, Wildlife and Art.
Photography
Let’s start with photography. With cell phones, pictures are easier and better than ever, and you can delete the bad ones. I have a pretty good Nikon but the convenience of my cell is hard to beat. I look for the “money shot”, the really cool photo, but I also take pictures of plant labels for later ID. Sunsets, flowers, weather events, trees, etc. are some of the 2000 plus pictures on my phone.
Weather
It’s there every day. You must decide what to wear based on the weather report. Gardeners rely on the weather to decide when to plant seeds or bulbs, when to put the hoses away, etc. You can record weather in a journal and take pictures of the beauty in each season.
Insects
Insects are fascinating. Yes, they can be destructive and annoying to the gardener, but learning about their life cycles and habits can give you an edge. Macro photography can reveal new worlds and even beauty. Look at Don Komarechka’s site at donkom.ca Did you know aphids are born pregnant?!
Birds
Birds are fun to feed and watch and I’ve become an avid bird watcher. I use suet cages, dried ears of corn and tube feeders. Buy the best seed you can afford, fill those feeders and get your camera ready. I get a daily show with our Stellar’s Jays and little red squirrels battling over peanuts. The antics of nuthatches, black-capped chickadees, red polls, and occasional woodpecker make the day a little more fun. Remember to continue feeding in the Winter as birds will come to depend on you. In the Summer they will eat insect pests in your yard.
Wildlife
Moose are very common around Anchorage, and occasionally bears are seen. Don’t get too close, though. Go to the Alaska Zoo for some close-ups. Or sometimes right in your own yard.
Art
I like to think I see Nature with an artistic eye, but have not taken up a brush or pencil to put something down on paper. I would like to learn to paint the sunset behind bare birch trees but haven’t taken the plunge into art.
These a just a few of the side roads I have gone down due to gardening. It continues to be an interesting journey every day.