My untidy garden and its inhabitants

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:33 am

There is a lot to be said for an untidy garden.

I don't like straight edges and neat lawns.

Part of my garden outside my lounge window, i let over-grow slightly to encourage more birds and wildlife. I let nettles grow to attract butterfly's and bees.

Today, we have stood outside watching the most amazing array of butterfly's.

Oscar the Persian does a very good impersonation of Mick Jagger, standing upright on his hind legs, clapping his front paws together trying to catch them.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:27 am

I like a rough look, so I had beach rocks around 3 of the gardens out front and a step pathway.

I also planted 3 shrubs along with the tree that was there.

These shrubs have brought me many more beautiful birds to watch and feed every day.

I don't like a well maintained landscape look either, the more messier and natural look is much more inviting.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:35 am

Odie;1217995 wrote: I like a rough look, so I had beach rocks around 3 of the gardens out front and a step pathway.

I also planted 3 shrubs along with the tree that was there.

These shrubs have brought me many more beautiful birds to watch and feed every day.

I don't like a well maintained landscape look either, the more messier and natural look is much more inviting. It's certainly worth letting it overgrow a litle just for what breeds in your garden. I have noticed more birds nesting and different varieties of birds since letting the tree's overgrow and not being too hard on the pruning. The nettles look untidy but there were so many butterflies on them today, it was lovely.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:10 am

oscar;1217998 wrote: It's certainly worth letting it overgrow a litle just for what breeds in your garden. I have noticed more birds nesting and different varieties of birds since letting the tree's overgrow and not being too hard on the pruning. The nettles look untidy but there were so many butterflies on them today, it was lovely.

butterflies are such a welcoming site and there are so many flowers they love as well.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:07 pm

Odie;1218007 wrote: butterflies are such a welcoming site and there are so many flowers they love as well. When i wanted Budlia, they were like rocking horse shyte. I could not get one anywhere. I tried garden centres, plant shops, everywhere, yet i'd see them growing out of guttering on office blocks or on cliff faces

I finally sent off for them by mail order and now, they are not only the size of triffids but throw seeds everywhere that seem to germinate out of nothing. I can not complain now as the assortment of butterlies on them is astonishing.

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:56 pm

We have a pear tree at the bottom of our garden and when the pears are ripe the butterflies flock to feast on them. They are very beautiful to watch.

:-6

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:29 pm

I noticed that one of my "Byrds" was in the huge pot on the patio, which holds a large jasmine and some little shamrock plants in its shade. Poor thing needed to get out of the heat--a horrible 116 degrees ast 3 p.m.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:31 pm

oscar;1217982 wrote: There is a lot to be said for an untidy garden.

I don't like straight edges and neat lawns.

Part of my garden outside my lounge window, i let over-grow slightly to encourage more birds and wildlife. I let nettles grow to attract butterfly's and bees.

Today, we have stood outside watching the most amazing array of butterfly's.

Oscar the Persian does a very good impersonation of Mick Jagger, standing upright on his hind legs, clapping his front paws together trying to catch them.

I get that. Im conflicted because Im anal. Id probably spend hours pruning it so it didnt look pruned. Actually Id measure all the stems and twigs then stagger the cuts so it looked natural but Id know different.

The tops would need to be perfectly cut though, same heighth.

Id measure and mark sticks then get a laser and line it up so it would be even on top. Then Id probably sand and paint all the trim on the windows but first Id clean the windows inside and out. And the screens. If I dripped paint on the grass Id surgically remove those tainted blades of grass and dispose of them in a finely creased paper bag then staple it shut. Id also probably measure the distance between the staples. First Id measure the length of the opening of the bag then Id halve it and put the first staple exactly in the middle then probably one inch in from each end with the other two staples.

Going for another cup of coffee, be right back.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:32 pm

Rapunzel;1218067 wrote: We have a pear tree at the bottom of our garden and when the pears are ripe the butterflies flock to feast on them. They are very beautiful to watch.

:-6

really, I would never never thought they would like pears, awesome!

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:33 pm

Zapata;1218128 wrote: I noticed that one of my "Byrds" was in the huge pot on the patio, which holds a large jasmine and some little shamrock plants in its shade. Poor thing needed to get out of the heat--a horrible 116 degrees ast 3 p.m.

they do need tons of shade.

I have a birdbath for them.....fill it fresh and cold twice a day....birds come from everywhere to drink and bath......wish more people would have them as there is no water for birds unless its rains.....

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:35 pm

Nomad;1218132 wrote: I get that. Im conflicted because Im anal. Id probably spend hours pruning it so it didnt look pruned. Actually Id measure all the stems and twigs then stagger the cuts so it looked natural but Id know different.

The tops would need to be perfectly cut though, same heighth.

Id measure and mark sticks then get a laser and line it up so it would be even on top. Then Id probably sand and paint all the trim on the windows but first Id clean the windows inside and out. And the screens. If I dripped paint on the grass Id surgically remove those tainted blades of grass and dispose of them in a finely creased paper bag then staple it shut. Id also probably measure the distance between the staples. First Id measure the length of the opening of the bag then Id halve it and put the first staple exactly in the middle then probably one inch in from each end with the other two staples.

Going for another cup of coffee, be right back.

Yes. But doesn't everybody?

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:36 pm

Odie;1218133 wrote: really, I would never never thought they would like pears, awesome!

No, I didn't know they liked pears either til I moved here. But they do literally swarm around the pear tree.

Although they leave my neighbours apple tree alone. :wah:

Bizarre, isn't it? :rolleyes:

:-6

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:37 pm

Zapata;1218137 wrote: Yes. But doesn't everybody?

I dont know. Id like to be someone else for a day just to make some comparisons.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:39 pm

Rapunzel;1218138 wrote: No, I didn't know they liked pears either til I moved here. But they do literally swarm around the pear tree.

Although they leave my neighbours apple tree alone. :wah:

Bizarre, isn't it? :rolleyes:

:-6

pears must be sweeter.:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:40 pm

Odie;1218134 wrote: they do need tons of shade.

I have a birdbath for them.....fill it fresh and cold twice a day....birds come from everywhere to drink and bath......wish more people would have them as there is no water for birds unless its rains.....

I know. Well, it never rains here so I fill their birdbaths every day but in this desert heat, an hour later it's warm and by afternoon it's hot. Some are in shade so it's not as bad. I don't know how they survive with their feathers and all. Guess I'll Google it to see.

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:42 pm

Nomad;1218141 wrote: I dont know. Id like to be someone else for a day just to make some comparisons.

Have you seen the hilarious film 'The Hot Chick' with Rob Schneider and Rachel McAdams? I would love to see you playing the part of the rough dude in the hot chicks body, racing to the corner store for a box of tampons! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:42 pm

Nomad;1218141 wrote: I dont know. Id like to be someone else for a day just to make some comparisons.

Okay. Let's trade places.

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:42 pm

Odie;1218143 wrote: pears must be sweeter.:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

must be! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:47 pm

Rapunzel;1218147 wrote: Have you seen the hilarious film 'The Hot Chick' with Rob Schneider and Rachel McAdams? I would love to see you playing the part of the rough dude in the hot chicks body, racing to the corner store for a box of tampons! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

I cant think of a suitable reply.

Okay. Let's trade places.

Id just end up cleaning your house all day. Ill pass.

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:50 pm

Nomad;1218152 wrote: I cant think of a suitable reply.

Id just end up cleaning your house all day. Ill pass.

Sir! Are you inferring that just because I camp out on this blasted computer all day long that I have no time to clean my house? You are so right!:wah:

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:54 pm

Zapata;1218157 wrote: Sir! Are you inferring that just because I camp out on this blasted computer all day long that I have no time to clean my house? You are so right!:wah:

Me too. Clean mine? I'd pay you in school dinners and stolen pencils.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:01 pm

Rapunzel;1218161 wrote: Me too. Clean mine? I'd pay you in school dinners and stolen pencils.

I think Id want to be someone normal for a fair comparison. Im not sure you fall into that category. :p

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:01 pm

Nomad;1218132 wrote: I get that. Im conflicted because Im anal. Id probably spend hours pruning it so it didnt look pruned. Actually Id measure all the stems and twigs then stagger the cuts so it looked natural but Id know different.

The tops would need to be perfectly cut though, same heighth.

Id measure and mark sticks then get a laser and line it up so it would be even on top. Then Id probably sand and paint all the trim on the windows but first Id clean the windows inside and out. And the screens. If I dripped paint on the grass Id surgically remove those tainted blades of grass and dispose of them in a finely creased paper bag then staple it shut. Id also probably measure the distance between the staples. First Id measure the length of the opening of the bag then Id halve it and put the first staple exactly in the middle then probably one inch in from each end with the other two staples.

Going for another cup of coffee, be right back.
That's all very well my man. However, you can not ensure that the width of your butterfly wings are equally symetrical nor can you guaruntee the exact flight path of your bee's. You also have no knowledge of the night time navigation aspects of your moths. How can you be sure your caterpillers are crawling in military precision? You can't. You have no power.

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:11 pm

Nomad;1218164 wrote: I think Id want to be someone normal for a fair comparison. Im not sure you fall into that category. :p

I'm absolutely sure you're right! :wah::wah::wah:

(But then, do you fall into that category either? :sneaky: )

However, I didn't want to swap places with you, I just wanted you to clean my house.

I'll throw in some smelly stickers with those stolen pencils, if you're interested?

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 5:38 pm

Zapata;1218146 wrote: I know. Well, it never rains here so I fill their birdbaths every day but in this desert heat, an hour later it's warm and by afternoon it's hot. Some are in shade so it's not as bad. I don't know how they survive with their feathers and all. Guess I'll Google it to see.

they must be used to it or they wouldn't survive.

wow, desert heat.......

nice to see you do have a bath for them, hot or not.:guitarist:guitarist

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:17 pm

oscar;1218165 wrote: That's all very well my man. However, you can not ensure that the width of your butterfly wings are equally symetrical nor can you guaruntee the exact flight path of your bee's. You also have no knowledge of the night time navigation aspects of your moths. How can you be sure your caterpillers are crawling in military precision? You can't. You have no power.

****

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:20 pm

What I picked up out of my front yard today....about 20 marbles, 2 baseball gloves, bionicals (their like Legos) and numerous other toys. And then I had the pleasure of mowing it...well tomorrow I will:wah:

Post by **Sunshine** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:46 pm

qsducks;1218237 wrote: What I picked up out of my front yard today....about 20 marbles, 2 baseball gloves, bionicals (their like Legos) and numerous other toys. And then I had the pleasure of mowing it...well tomorrow I will:wah:

Trade ya Ducky. I pick up dog toys and doggy do-do everyday. Hope the garbage collectors don't know what is in those little white bags. :-3:yh_rotfl

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 6:48 pm

Sunshine;1218255 wrote: Trade ya Ducky. I pick up dog toys and doggy do-do everyday. Hope the garbage collectors don't know what is in those little white bags. :-3:yh_rotfl

:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl At least I can "hide" cat pooh in the trash.:wah:

Victoria · Post by **Victoria** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 12:07 am

Those were the days ... we had a large back garden where rhubarb and a wild bush of mint grew a cherry tree cast shade over the centre and we enjoyed its friut (if the starlings didnt get there first! The kids played in this safe haven and enjoyed the sunshine.

Now I live in a corner house so my garden is mostly at the side of the house we did have grass soil and plants but the local (huge) cat population treated it as one big litter box.. anytime I did gardening it was with marigolds because I knew I would get a handful of cat siht .. so it is now gravel... large chunky bits of gravel so the cats dont like it, there are plants (green) planted here and there and sort of hidden grotto with a Budda and a fountain it looks great.

People stop and look, they take photo's Ive been asked who designed it..(me) but I would trade all that praise just to have my bit of grass and my cherry tree back..

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:28 am

qsducks;1218256 wrote: :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl At least I can "hide" cat pooh in the trash.:wah:

And bunny poop. :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

I wonder what zoos do with all the poop they produce??

:-3

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:41 am

Rapunzel;1218321 wrote: I wonder what zoos do with all the poop they produce??

:-3

Oh well, here's one answer to my question:

:wah::wah:

Poo Paper: paper made from animal dung

Poo Paper: paper made from animal poop

Here's some more poo...er...food for thought:

All animals produce poo in one form or another, and they do so at fairly regular intervals. Herbivores (animals that only eat plants) and detritivores (scavengers which feed on dead plants and animals or their waste) poo on a rather grand scale. And yet, the world has not disappeared under the stuff. For this, much thanks—but to whom or to what?

Mighty Microbes

First, we must thank microbes (minute life forms; microorganisms). Animal poo is easily degraded by microbes. In fact, poo is already being degraded before it ever hits the ground, since one third of poo by weight is microbes. In nature, millions of different species of protists (many widely ranging microbes, including slime molds, protozoa and primitive algae), fungi, and bacteria recycle poo into carbon dioxide and water.

Second, we must thank the inefficient digestive process in most animals. This ensures that the discarded poo remains an excellent source of nutrients for other less fastidious creatures. For example, dung beetles. Without these tank-like little insects, there is a good chance that humans and the rest of Earth’s land organisms would be up to their necks in poo.

WHAT SCIENTISTS DO WITH POO

To scientists, poo is a treasure trove of information. Poo is indicator of physical health, revealing the presence of parasites and diseases. Poo is also full of bits of DNA that scientists can translate into a profile of the depositor: its species, sex, and even individual identity.

For wildlife scientists, poo is a great means of tracking even the most elusive animals. Many piles of poo are even better, enabling scientists to determine how many animals of a particular species live in an area, the sex ratio, how large their home ranges are, what they eat, and how they are related to one another. Armed with this information, conservationists can devise effective plans to protect endangered species and their habitats, beginning, first of all, with the evidence that proves a species needs protection.

• In 16 African countries, scientists extracted and analyzed DNA from elephant poo and skin samples. They used a new statistical method to make a "map" of elephant genetic variation, so that a sample taken from a piece of ivory can quickly be traced to its origin.

Zoo Tycoon Unleashed Forums > Much Ado About Poo

Who knew poo would be so useful?? :wah::wah::D

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 9:30 am

Rapunzel;1218322 wrote: Oh well, here's one answer to my question:

:wah::wah:

Poo Paper: paper made from animal dung

Poo Paper: paper made from animal poop

Here's some more poo...er...food for thought:

All animals produce poo in one form or another, and they do so at fairly regular intervals. Herbivores (animals that only eat plants) and detritivores (scavengers which feed on dead plants and animals or their waste) poo on a rather grand scale. And yet, the world has not disappeared under the stuff. For this, much thanks—but to whom or to what?

Mighty Microbes

First, we must thank microbes (minute life forms; microorganisms). Animal poo is easily degraded by microbes. In fact, poo is already being degraded before it ever hits the ground, since one third of poo by weight is microbes. In nature, millions of different species of protists (many widely ranging microbes, including slime molds, protozoa and primitive algae), fungi, and bacteria recycle poo into carbon dioxide and water.

Second, we must thank the inefficient digestive process in most animals. This ensures that the discarded poo remains an excellent source of nutrients for other less fastidious creatures. For example, dung beetles. Without these tank-like little insects, there is a good chance that humans and the rest of Earth’s land organisms would be up to their necks in poo.

WHAT SCIENTISTS DO WITH POO

To scientists, poo is a treasure trove of information. Poo is indicator of physical health, revealing the presence of parasites and diseases. Poo is also full of bits of DNA that scientists can translate into a profile of the depositor: its species, sex, and even individual identity.

For wildlife scientists, poo is a great means of tracking even the most elusive animals. Many piles of poo are even better, enabling scientists to determine how many animals of a particular species live in an area, the sex ratio, how large their home ranges are, what they eat, and how they are related to one another. Armed with this information, conservationists can devise effective plans to protect endangered species and their habitats, beginning, first of all, with the evidence that proves a species needs protection.

• In 16 African countries, scientists extracted and analyzed DNA from elephant poo and skin samples. They used a new statistical method to make a "map" of elephant genetic variation, so that a sample taken from a piece of ivory can quickly be traced to its origin.

Zoo Tycoon Unleashed Forums > Much Ado About Poo

Who knew poo would be so useful?? :wah::wah::D Ahhhh Yes, doggie poo. With 3 terriers, i have buckets of the stuff. However i am very lucky that there is a field outside my house that is frequented by dog walkers so the council put in a dog shyte bin just outside my gate into the entrance of the field. No little white bags stinking my bins out for me luckily. I always wonder what the poor man who has the unfortunate job of emptying the dog shyte bin 3 times a week for the council thinks when he goes there and finds half a tonne of the stuff in it :yh_rotfl I also put my cat poo in there as well.i sneak out in the dark when no-one is around with it all :yh_rotfl

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 9:40 am

Victoria;1218309 wrote: Those were the days ... we had a large back garden where rhubarb and a wild bush of mint grew a cherry tree cast shade over the centre and we enjoyed its friut (if the starlings didnt get there first! The kids played in this safe haven and enjoyed the sunshine.

Now I live in a corner house so my garden is mostly at the side of the house we did have grass soil and plants but the local (huge) cat population treated it as one big litter box.. anytime I did gardening it was with marigolds because I knew I would get a handful of cat siht .. so it is now gravel... large chunky bits of gravel so the cats dont like it, there are plants (green) planted here and there and sort of hidden grotto with a Budda and a fountain it looks great.

People stop and look, they take photo's Ive been asked who designed it..(me) but I would trade all that praise just to have my bit of grass and my cherry tree back..
My parents won 'Garden of the Year' some years back in my home town and i often wonder what my father would think if he could see my nettles and over-grown tree's and shrubs. I used to be similar to my dad but soon found i got more wildlife if i wasn't so orderly. I would certainly swop praise for the sight of a Greenfinch in my tree or a Great tit hanging upside down on the feeders. I am also blighted by pesky Sparrow Hawks. Letting the trees overgrow a little into what my dad used to call 'Gods Cathedral' protects the birds from the buggers. Mr O argues that they have to feed also but i must confess, in a moment of madness i even turned my hosepipe on jet on one Sparrow hawk and it still sat there waiting and watching.

Attached files

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 9:59 am

Victoria;1218309 wrote: Those were the days ... we had a large back garden where rhubarb and a wild bush of mint grew a cherry tree cast shade over the centre and we enjoyed its friut (if the starlings didnt get there first! The kids played in this safe haven and enjoyed the sunshine.

Now I live in a corner house so my garden is mostly at the side of the house we did have grass soil and plants but the local (huge) cat population treated it as one big litter box.. anytime I did gardening it was with marigolds because I knew I would get a handful of cat siht .. so it is now gravel... large chunky bits of gravel so the cats dont like it, there are plants (green) planted here and there and sort of hidden grotto with a Budda and a fountain it looks great.

People stop and look, they take photo's Ive been asked who designed it..(me) but I would trade all that praise just to have my bit of grass and my cherry tree back..

I LOVE the hidden grotto idea! I have something along that line (nobody's ever taken pictures of it tho, other than me

) I put a lot of rocks which are near and dear to my heart, gathered from all sorts of places I wasn't supposed to, around a pool which has a huge solar-powered fish spouting water into it. The birds like it.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 10:08 am

Zapata;1218368 wrote: I LOVE the hidden grotto idea! I have something along that line (nobody's ever taken pictures of it tho, other than me

) I put a lot of rocks which are near and dear to my heart, gathered from all sorts of places I wasn't supposed to, around a pool which has a huge solar-powered fish spouting water into it. The birds like it.
Yes, i love the idea of grotto as well. I must also confess that i steal logs and branches from woods to stack in the garden to attract insect eating birds.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:04 pm

I took this picture yesterday with this thread in mind, oscar.

Attached files

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:11 pm

along-for-the-ride;1218818 wrote: I took this picture yesterday with this thread in mind, oscar.

That's gorgeous. I would enjoy sitting out there. I love the way you Americans are so patriotic in having your flag in your gardens. I wish more Britons did so.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 4:12 pm

along-for-the-ride;1218818 wrote: I took this picture yesterday with this thread in mind, oscar.

oh my that is just stunning!

now that's rustic and it looks very soothing!

such a great mixture of things!

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 4:24 pm

oscar;1218823 wrote: I love the way you Americans are so patriotic in having your flag in your gardens. I wish more Britons did so.

Don't be so silly Oscar! You must know that flying the UK flag is rascist!!!!! :-5 :-5 :-5 :-5 :-5

It's just not politically correct or politically acceptable to those who plot to bomb us!

They need the way to be clear for them to fly their own flags when this country becomes fully Muslim!!!

This is NOT a rascist remark. This is a comment on the future of the UK.

Flying England Flag illegal? | Altermedia UK

http://bnp.org.uk/2009/03/the-madness-o ... rsenal-fc/

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 5:02 pm

Rapunzel;1218870 wrote: Don't be so silly Oscar! You must know that flying the UK flag is rascist!!!!! :-5 :-5 :-5 :-5 :-5

It's just not politically correct or politically acceptable to those who plot to bomb us!

They need the way to be clear for them to fly their own flags when this country becomes fully Muslim!!!

This is NOT a rascist remark. This is a comment on the future of the UK.

Flying England Flag illegal? | Altermedia UK

http://bnp.org.uk/2009/03/the-madness-o ... rsenal-fc/ Have you been talking to Nick Griffin? :wah: