It’s definitely not spring here in Oregon yet. In fact, yesterday there was a dusting of snow on my car in the morning. But there are already plenty of flowers blooming including many from native plants. This is important- wildlife need food sources this early in the year and many plants in my yard provide them. Above is an Oregon Grape flower (the state flower of Oregon!). Not only do pollinators drink the nectar, but later in the year mammals and birds eat the berries.
Above is an Indian Plum, a very common native tree or large shrub in our area. The Indian Plums are all in full bloom right now and, as you can see, Honey Bees have already come to visit.
Down by our creek, the Skunk Cabbage plants are blooming. Some pollinators will visit them, and deer in the woods might come to browse. Skunk Cabbage has a bit of a bad reputation because of its odor. But did you know that it can actually regulate its temperature? It stays warm even in snow, which makes it even more important as a food source if the winter lingers.
Yes, that’s a baseball bat, and those are Coltsfoot flowers growing around it. Coltsfoot flowers bloom before their leaves start to grow. Why am I showing you this photo? It shows that having a wildlife garden doesn’t mean that you can’t also have a playground!
Plus, Coltsfoot flowers are beautiful.
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