- Author: Heloisa Kinder
Humanity is separated into those who gaze skyward and those who cast their eyes downward. I fit into the first category. This perspective allows me to uncover some of nature's hidden treasures.
In February of 2022, as the trees were nearly bare, I noticed a walnut-size nest while strolling to the park. It was impeccably constructed, adorned with feathers, spider webs, twigs, and a layer of lichen on its exterior. To my surprise, it housed a female Anna's Hummingbird, a species renowned for perching in the nest while steadily building up the rim around themselves. They diligently toil for up to a week to fashion the structure, which reaches a mere one inch in height.
It wasn't long before the nest's owner made an appearance. The first time I caught sight of her, she was perched on a branch at the tree's summit. Shortly after, she returned to her nest.
After a hummingbird lays her eggs, typically two, oblong shaped, measuring around 1/2 inch long and 1/3 inch wide, she may spend varying durations incubating them. This period can range from less than a minute to up to three hours at a time, with breaks lasting anywhere from under a minute to half an hour, depending on the species. Incubation generally spans between 14 and 17 days, although weather conditions and species differences can impact this time frame.
Upon hatching, the baby hummingbirds find themselves with closed eyes, devoid of feathers, and weighing approximately one-third the weight of a dime. At about an inch in length, they lack the ability to regulate their body heat, prompting the mother to nest closely with them for the initial eight to 12 days. After approximately two weeks, the nestlings develop sufficient temperature regulation to stay warm overnight in the nest.
The mother remained occupied with the task of keeping her offspring fed. When back to the nest, she nourished the nestlings with regurgitated sustenance from her bill, which typically included pollen, nectar, and tiny insects. Chicks leave the nest when they're ready to, usually after about three weeks; however, harsh weather conditions can extend the nesting period.
I was fortunate enough to witness the fledglings' inaugural flight from the nest. They spent approximately one week perched in the tree, which was now adorned with leaves, providing them with protection against potential predators. They practiced fluttering their wings as they navigated from one branch to another, often doing so together. The baby hummingbirds emit a distinct sound when they desire their mother's attention for feeding. Based on my observations, she promptly responded to their call and attended to their needs.
Even after the young hummingbirds are capable of leaving the nest within 18 to 23 days, they continue to rely on their mother for support, gradually becoming fully self-sufficient within two weeks. Unlike the female, the male hummingbird does not contribute to caring for the chicks.
On February 6, 2022, I began documenting this captivating story through my photographs, and the saga continued until March 13, when the birds gracefully took flight and left their perches. In 2023, the tale unfolded once more. On the same tree, a new chapter began with the discovery of a nest on a different branch.
I've come to understand that Anna's hummingbirds in California typically do not reuse nests. Instead, they engage in a practice known as "recycling," utilizing their nest materials or even appropriating those of others to construct an entirely new nest.
The prospect of witnessing the remarkable process once again filled me with excitement last year, and I am hopeful for another opportunity to observe the entire cycle this year.
- Author: Janey Santos
Understanding the microclimates within your garden can unlock new possibilities for plant growth and diversity. Microclimates, small environmental pockets within a larger area, significantly influence the success of your home garden.
As you wander through your garden, subtle variations in sunlight, moisture levels, wind exposure, and structural elements become apparent. These variations create microclimates that can determine whether a plant merely survives or thrives.
Sunlight is a key influencer of microclimates. Different garden sections receive varying sunlight due to structures, trees, or fences. Strategic placement, such as planting sun-sensitive species on the east side of a structure for morning sun protection, can make a crucial difference. Trees create shaded areas, while open spaces ensure all-day sunlight.
Moisture levels vary across the garden, influenced by factors like downspouts, slopes, and soil composition. Identify wetter spots for water-loving plants like hydrangeas and drier areas, such as slopes, for plants preferring dry conditions.
Structural elements like stone walls and concrete pathways can create unique microclimates by absorbing and releasing heat. This effect can protect frost-tolerant plants during winter, providing a cozy haven for them to thrive.
During your next garden stroll, take note of potential microclimates and consider planting options. Embracing the micro-diversity, no matter how small, expands your gardening horizons beyond imagination. Think about maximizing the use of your microclimates this gardening season.
- Author: Jalena Rusaw
In the midst of life's hustle and bustle, finding moments of peace becomes a precious commodity. Enter the world of mindful gardening, where the simple act of connecting with the soil can become a transformative meditation. Here are some ways you can delve into the therapeutic benefits of cultivating mindfulness through soil, discovering the profound serenity that lies beneath our fingertips.
The Earth Beneath Our Feet:
Step into your garden, and you step onto a canvas of potential tranquility. The earth beneath your feet holds a profound connection to nature's rhythm. As you sink your hands into the soil, you embark on a journey that extends far beyond planting seeds – it's a communion with the very essence of life.
Grounding Techniques:
Grounding, a practice rooted in mindfulness, involves connecting with the present moment by anchoring yourself in the physical sensations of the earth. In gardening, this translates to feeling the texture of the soil, the coolness beneath your fingertips, and the subtle vibrations of life within. As you engage in grounding techniques, you'll find stress dissipating and a sense of calm enveloping your being.
Digging In:
The act of digging in the soil becomes a mindful ritual. Each scoop of earth offers a tactile experience that brings you into the now. Pay attention to the resistance of the soil, the release of its fragrance, and the myriad of microorganisms at work beneath the surface. In these moments, you are fully present, cultivating a sense of mindfulness that transcends the chaos of daily life.
Connecting with Earth's Energy:
Gardening provides a unique opportunity to tap into the energy of the earth. As you plant, weed, or simply run your fingers through the soil, you absorb the subtle vibrations that emanate from the ground. This connection can foster a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation, grounding you in the midst of life's uncertainties.
The Meditative Flow:
Engage in a rhythmic dance with the soil – a meditative flow where each movement becomes a conscious act. Whether you're sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, or cultivating the land, let the repetitive nature of these actions guide you into a state of mindfulness. The soil becomes a medium for meditation, and the garden transforms into a sacred space for inner reflection.
Creating a Mindful Garden Space:
Designate a corner of your garden specifically for mindful moments with the soil. Choose plants that enhance the sensory experience, incorporate comfortable seating, and surround yourself with elements that evoke a sense of calm. This dedicated space becomes your sanctuary for grounding and reconnecting with the earth.
In the gentle embrace of the soil, discover a source of grounded serenity that transcends the chaos of daily life.
As you cultivate mindfulness through soil, you not only nurture your garden but also nurture your own well-being, one mindful moment at a time.
- Author: Lane Parker
When I was growing up in Southern California, one plant more than any other fascinated me. I knew the dandelion was a weed, but it was such a mysterious weed!
In its flowering stage, Taraxacum officinale (T. officinale) dotted lawns, parks and schoolyards with its bursts of bright yellow petals. But if it didn't get mowed over or trampled on first, the yellow flowers transformed, butterflylike, into round, fragile white tufts which we kids would pick and, after making a wish, blow apart, watching the individual “seeds” (they're actually the fruit) twirl away in the wind. The more of the tuft you could blow away, the better the chances your wish would come true.
Even the plant's name was mysterious. The metamorphosis from yellow flower to that fluffy white ball did make it kind of dandy. But the lion part?
Years later, my interest in language solved one of the mysteries: The dandelion was named not for any part of the flower but for the leaves, which are serrated and toothlike. The name is a corruption of the French dent de lion—"lion's tooth.” As a kid I hadn't paid much attention to the leaves—the “boring part” of the plant.
It's true that a weed is simply a plant growing where it's not wanted. Throughout human history the dandelion has been valued, used for food, herbal remedies, and beverages (there's dandelion tea and dandelion wine). And, counterintuitively, a plant can be both a weed and endangered at the same time: The California dandelion (T. californicum) is an endangered species found only in the San Bernardino Mountains, which as it happens are only about 30 miles from where I grew up making wishes, blowing the white tufts off of T. officinale, and watching them spin away in the wind.
