What our garden inhabitants might be saying about us

By Debra Knapke

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and even the backyard critters are weighing in their thanks.

From the birds: We have enjoyed the seed cones and suet you have placed outside. The new spicy seeds and suet are epicurean delights.

From the squirrels: Thank you for all the food you have put out for us. Our problem-solving skills have greatly improved as we have played the games you have so nicely provided for us. Please note: we do not like the spicy seed cones and suet that you have provided this year.

Photo from Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

From the skunks and opossums: Thank you for the kitchen scraps that you kindly left out last year.  We noticed that you are now placing them inside the large fenced-in area. Please consider leaving the scraps in a more accessible location; we deserve a pleasant Thanksgiving, too.

Photo from Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources

From the frogs and toads: We have enjoyed the moist places you have provided for us in your bog and rain lily pots. The area under the fig tree is nice, too.

From the deer: The hostas were particularly delicious this year. We tried some other plants that were new to us; quite tasty!

From the assassin bug: The bean trellises attracted quite a few insects for my eating enjoyment. I apologize for startling you as you were picking beans for dinner. I hope you noticed I moved quickly away from your hand.

I was not carrying my camera while harvesting beans, so here is an assassin bug in my magnolia.

From the bees: Thank you for the myriad of blooms that sustained us through this tough season. The spring was very wet and it was a challenge to gather nectar and pollen in the rain. We made up for it in your summer and fall flowers.

From the spiders: We appreciate that you did not remove us from your window by your sink and over your front door (sorry about scaring your daughter, but we noticed that your granddaughter thought we were cool). both places were perfect for catching unwary insects.

She was about 1” in diameter when her legs are pulled in close to her body as you see here. Fully extended she was over 1 ½” in diameter. Here she is perched above the door, in the shade, during the day.

PS: Thank you to all of the species that share “my” garden. I have enjoyed watching you and learning so many lessons.