To Tiny Marsh yesterday with my friend Jennifer to monitor breeding birds by playing a recording of a few key species at four locations. Got there at 6:30, we worked till 8:30ish, getting a few interesting call-backs. Then we walked out on the dyke because Jennifer wanted to see if loons are still in the Marsh. On the way I noticed a black bird flapping in the reeds and at the same time Jennifer was pulled up short by something around her ankles. It was a really strong green fishing line. We followed it back and found a juvenile grackle desperately trying to escape.

Gardening is all about weeding.  If you get to it early and stay on top of it, it’s easier. Allowing weeds to go to seed is deadly. In my early days as a gardener I thought it might be possible to create a garden that wouldn’t need weeding. The desirable plants I’d selected would fill in, spread, reseed, and present a united front against unwanted outsiders.

One of the advantages of being a “specialist” – be it native plants, rock garden, grasses or whatever – is that most of what’s on offer is of no interest because you either have it already or it doesn’t fit in the environment you’re creating.