We have one large maple tree in our backyard. Only one. I love our maple tree. I hate our maple tree. I love the shade it provides on a hot summer day. I love the gallon or two of maple syrup it provides me from its sap in the spring. I love the protection it provides for the birds. I hate it for the 30 plus bags of leaves I rake up, bag, and take to compost in the fall. It's complicated.
lol, I feel this, Steve. When our boys were small, they loved jumping in the leaves. The past few years, we’ve been “leaving the leaves” to encourage insect and pollinator populations in the yard. Then, last year I got Lyme disease twice 😬. Ticks like the leaf litter too. So this year, we blew the leaves to the edge of the yard (we border a small patch of woods) and I’m hoping this will help reduce our tick population. Also, I’m hoping as this little patch re-wilds itself, nature will provide other solutions. It’s a work in progress, but we have def had more fireflies and butterflies and dragonflies the past couple years. Just don’t ask my neighbors what they think of my experiment.
It's actually the only tree we have in our backyard. We have an in-ground pool, patio, and the rest landscaped with rocks and flowers. Mostly native ones. Our front yard I just run over the leaves to mulch them in the fall, and leave them. I get it with the ticks as they seem to get worse every year.
I love your poetic expression of emotion for your maple trees, especially the oldest one--that you try to "tap into" (no pun intended!) what he might be thinking and feeling! Aren't trees wonderful? So many varieties, so much grandeur, so many purposes fulfilled!
As you know, dear Laura, I’m surrounded by trees, Poplar, Wild Cherry, Majestic Oaks, and Maples! The Maples are my favorite! Their fall color is beautiful and I’m thankful for their presence! They are sleeping now🍁
Thank you for your incredible way of observing the deeper things of nature, Laura. You help me to pause and reflect--and then to look upon the earth with new insight and appreciation.
We have one large maple tree in our backyard. Only one. I love our maple tree. I hate our maple tree. I love the shade it provides on a hot summer day. I love the gallon or two of maple syrup it provides me from its sap in the spring. I love the protection it provides for the birds. I hate it for the 30 plus bags of leaves I rake up, bag, and take to compost in the fall. It's complicated.
lol, I feel this, Steve. When our boys were small, they loved jumping in the leaves. The past few years, we’ve been “leaving the leaves” to encourage insect and pollinator populations in the yard. Then, last year I got Lyme disease twice 😬. Ticks like the leaf litter too. So this year, we blew the leaves to the edge of the yard (we border a small patch of woods) and I’m hoping this will help reduce our tick population. Also, I’m hoping as this little patch re-wilds itself, nature will provide other solutions. It’s a work in progress, but we have def had more fireflies and butterflies and dragonflies the past couple years. Just don’t ask my neighbors what they think of my experiment.
It's actually the only tree we have in our backyard. We have an in-ground pool, patio, and the rest landscaped with rocks and flowers. Mostly native ones. Our front yard I just run over the leaves to mulch them in the fall, and leave them. I get it with the ticks as they seem to get worse every year.
Your yard sounds lovely, Steve. Like a little sanctuary for humans and creatures of all kinds.
That is a wonderful lullaby, and I had forgotten it.
I have always loved it. So simple and sweet. 🥰
I love your poetic expression of emotion for your maple trees, especially the oldest one--that you try to "tap into" (no pun intended!) what he might be thinking and feeling! Aren't trees wonderful? So many varieties, so much grandeur, so many purposes fulfilled!
Yes, they are so wonderful, Nancy! I will keep singing them love songs and lullabies for the rest of my life!
As you know, dear Laura, I’m surrounded by trees, Poplar, Wild Cherry, Majestic Oaks, and Maples! The Maples are my favorite! Their fall color is beautiful and I’m thankful for their presence! They are sleeping now🍁
I know your trees are tucked in nicely too!
This is beautiful. Thank you
Thank you, Katie. So grateful for your presence here.
Thank you for your incredible way of observing the deeper things of nature, Laura. You help me to pause and reflect--and then to look upon the earth with new insight and appreciation.
I love your connection and affection for God's creation, friend . . .