As you gaze out at your posted stamp yard and think boy, I wish I could do more for the butterflies or I wish I had a garden that could support the bees.
I think the heart remembers what it was like when the rabbits came out of hiding, running for their lives in case the fox should appear.
You can create a small ecosystem on a smaller scale in your front or back yard! Why not? Even if you aren’t running a full-blown farm, a few well-chosen farm supplies can help transform even a small yard into a thriving micro-habitat.
That’s why in this blog post, we are going to explore creating happiness and joy, and make you feel like you’re giving to your community, and provide valuable insights to the readers.
Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Understanding ways to contribute to your local ecosystem
- Looking at the flaura and fauna
- Exploring ways to spice up your life
Contributing To Your Local Eco System
You may not remember specific things about the cycle of life or the ecosystem around you, but you do know it exists.
The earth knows, as if by magic, what thrives in your local area and will provide ‘enough’ if the system is not interfered with.
A great example that always makes me think of this is the Mountain Ash Trees and their berries.
Not sure who the first person was who said it, but most of my younger years, I was told things like,’ Oh, the ash trees are full of berries, gonna be a cold winter.’ Or Gran making rosehip syrup so the family would have a source of vitamin C over the winter.
How these old wives’ tales are learned and then passed down, I don’t know, but it makes one think: Is the earth really preparing to provide for its inhabitants, or was the rainfall just right last spring and the summer not too hot?
I think it is wonderful to keep the ‘magical’ explanations because it is vital as caring for the yard, they seem pretty plausible, and subtly teach all generations about ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Quality landscaping, potentially using durable, cost-effective farm materials (like certain types of fencing or bulk supplies), can increase a property’s value by as much as 14%.
The Flora and Fauna
A wildlife-friendly oasis should be laden with all the plants and animals you are trying to protect, or maybe provide as a matter of convenience, like their own 7-11.
Ground Cover:
Pick things that will not only provide food but also ensure that your yard retains its charm and provide shelter for the smallies like insects, hedgehogs, bunnies, and even the toads and froggies:
- Clover (also great for the bunnies to eat)
- Berry Plants (blueberry, strawberry, raspberry)
- Grow containers could also be used for a variety of veggies like cabbage, radish, and carrots.
If you have the space, plant leafy greens like spinach and lettuce.
The Next Level
Think about the taller animals and the casual visitor that comes by:
- Water source ( for the tired bee that was hovering near all those chive flowers, a place for the birds to have a little bath, or provide a cool drink on a hot day.)
- Cranberry bushes (make great jam to can for the winter) provide shelter from the elements.
- Trees that bear fruit (apple, crabapple, pear, and ash)
- Sunflowers, chestnut trees (any seed-producing flora)
- If peanuts grow in your area, plant a potted peanut bush (they are so fun too!)
Spice Up Your Life (treats for the pollinators)
Herbs and spices can provide great kitchen additives, but can also provide pest control, tea options, and a heavenly smell on a warm day.
Running your hand through the herbs can release stress, and taking deep breaths can have a calming effect on everyone (even the animals):
- Thyme, rosemary, lavender hedges all provide cover for the smallies, but are a big attraction for the butterflies and the bees (pollinators’ heaven)
- Mint, lemon verbena, curry (yes, it IS a plant), and my favorite, camomile (smells like cotton candy and makes a wonderful tea for humans). Combine these with wild flowers and you have a pollinator garden to live for!
A Habitat for Humanity and Fauna
Creating a beautiful space with an aesthetic appeal for humans as well as wildlife is one of the most fulfilling things you can do to give back to the community. It also gives you a special sort of peace knowing you are helping keep the ecosystem balanced.
If you have the space and can provide something on a more massive scale, you could talk to local farmers about how they balance their local ecosystems. How do they protect water sources from drying up, what fertilizers they use, what kind of fencing they use around the property to keep animals grazing in different areas, and the like.
It’s a different perspective on a bigger scale, so don’t be afraid to ask the professionals for advice. Specialized farm suppliers like the crowd at Jonestown Ag Supply deal with (and know everything about) fertilizers, fences, and other useful tools you might need on your project.
This way, not only do you have a place to get all the farm supplies you need, but you could also get a few great ideas along the way; ideas that you haven’t thought about when you started the project off.
Conclusion
Your little oasis can change and grow as time marches on.
Get the best advice, love what you are doing, and be fulfilled by what you are providing to the earth and your little world around you.
And who knows! If you pass this mindset onto generations to come, imagine the thrill of learning that food supplies don’t just appear (or grow) at the grocery store.
This way they, as well, get to contribute in their own special way.
How has agriculture helped people live better life?
It helps people by providing food, fiber, and raw materials for many industries.
What are some facts about agriculture?
Agriculture began about 10,000 years ago and is now the largest employer in the world, supporting almost a third of the global workforce.
What were three ways that advances in agriculture helped life?
It has improved food production techniques, food quality, safety and access.
