The Wild Report: Field & Garden
A Curious Little Visitor
Early summer has also brought some sweet backyard moments, including footage of a curious baby squirrel that has grown more comfortable over time. Once just a cautious little visitor, it now comes much closer than before, adding a sense of familiarity to the everyday rhythm of the yard. Watching that confidence grow has been a simple but meaningful reminder of how rewarding it can be to quietly observe the small wildlife moments happening right outside.
From Underground Stillness to Spring Light
Three weeks ago, We spent time in upstate New York near Central Bridge, where spring was just beginning to wake up across the landscape. During the trip, I visited Howe Caverns, where the underground world felt cool, quiet, and shaped by time. I also explored Landis Arboretum, which offered a very different experience with its many trails, early spring scenery, and plenty of wildlife along the way.
One of the nicest parts of the week was setting up a temporary feeding station in the backyard of the Airbnb. It quickly brought in a lively mix of birds, including Red-breasted Nuthatches, Dark-eyed Juncos, Tufted Titmice, and Northern Cardinals. Between the stillness of the caverns, the open trails of the arboretum, and the steady activity at the feeder, the trip offered a beautiful look at spring from several different angles.
The Berry Garden Project
This season, I’m beginning The Berry Garden Project with the first blueberry planting of the season. For this first build, I planted two Patriot blueberry plants and one Duke blueberry plant in container pots, creating the start of a berry-growing space that I’ll continue to build on throughout the season.
More berries and companion plants will be added as they arrive, and I’ll be sharing updates along the way. By early summer, the garden should be fuller, more colorful, and buzzing with even more life. I’m excited to document this season’s progress and share how it all comes together. See below for materials used.
Materials used:
5-gallon blue bucket — used as the main outer container
1.75-gallon inner nursery pot — placed inside and upside down to save on soil and make the 5-gallon bucket lighter, while still helping with drainage.
Drill and drill bit — used to make drainage holes in both containers
Red Solo cup — used to scoop and pour soil into the bucket
Acid-loving soil — used as the main planting mix for the blueberries
Pea gravel — added at the bottom for drainage
Pine bark mulch — added on top
Holly-tone fertilizer — used to feed the blueberry plants
Tomato cage — added for support
Patriot blueberry plants — two planted
Duke blueberry plant — one planted
Water — used to thoroughly soak and settle the planting