New Year, New Bee(s)

Crossovers First, Triple Axels Later

I know, I know. Change is hard. We've got our routines. They’re working pretty well. Why mess with the tried and true? The world is already topsy-turvy enough.

On the other hand:

Rebekah Bastian @rebekah_bastian

My father is 77 years old and has stage 4 prostate cancer. He decided to learn how to ice skate a few years ago, and just did this performance with his teacher. For anyone that thinks it’s too late to try something new… ❤️

As we head toward 2022, maybe you'd like to try something new in your yard – or on your balcony or stoop. Going native doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. We can break it down into manageable steps. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Carve out habitat for some native bees on a sunny slope or among faded flower stalks.

• Replace an ailing tree or shrub with native species (perchance an oak?).

• Add some native plants to your existing shrub or perennial beds.

• Reduce the size of your lawn. You don’t need to dig up the whole thing. But maybe you could expand some garden beds or install a new one where turfgrass now reigns?

• Plant a container with native flowers, ferns or grasses.

• Install a rain barrel to reduce runoff and provide irrigation.

• Replace some of your pine bark mulch with “green mulch” (native groundcovers).

• Reduce light and noise pollution around your home by rethinking exterior light bulbs and leaf blowers.

• Leave fallen leaves on the ground as habitat for overwintering critters and protection for your plants.

• Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers. Nice thing about native plants is they’re adapted to local conditions so they require fewer interventions from us humans.

This list is actually my sneaky way of previewing some of the topics I’ll be writing about in the coming months. The more you let me know what interests you, the more I’ll be able to deliver the right goods to your inboxes. So, what are some small steps you might take in the new year? Tell us in the comments!

I’m not asking you to shoot for Olympic gold here. But how about a few forward crossovers set to “You’ve Got a Friend”?

Happy New Year to all!