this post was submitted on 01 May 2025
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Nature and Gardening
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I'm still trying to determine what kind of fruit trees are growing in the yard. Getting closer to identifying them as the days pass! Getting more confident about the plum and apple guesses.
It's been fun to see the grapevines waking up; I made a few wreaths with the trimmed vines last week. I'll keep picking at the mint that I found lounging around the stairs so it doesn't get too out of hand.
Cut down some invasives and trimmed up the trees a few weeks ago and everything is filling out nicely. Once the leaves and branches are fully raked and removed, I'll be able to see what's up for the rest. It looks like most of the pollinators are awake and about now that it's warm enough so I feel better about tidying up the leaves to send to the city compost.
I pressed some of the freshly fallen PJM rhododendron flowers between parchment paper and set them under some weight. Looking forward to seeing what they look like in a few weeks.
No Mow May is in full swing - dandelions abound!
Regarding your leaves and branches - consider leaving them for a bit longer! Pollinating insects will often emerge earlier than other insects like ladybugs and fireflies, which appreciate the leaf litter being available for raising their young.
Oh, thank you for this! Any excuse to enjoy one more weekend preparing/resting rather than doing the hard labor. Especially if it means I'm helping out our friends!