The Back Yard News, Vol 1, No. 1

Afternoon Sun photo, by Sonia.

This is a new column, produced by Sara and Sonia, with occasional contributions from their friends.


In fiction...

"The Surprise", story and illustration by Sara.



One morning, Sir Cardinal woke up and complained loudly, "Hey, Cat, stop meowing! You woke me up!"

The cat just walked away, ignoring the cardinal.

"What? Not you?" said Sir Cardinal. "Then who?"

Suddenly, a catbird flew out from behind Sir Cardinal's nest, leaving a cloud of feathers.

"Yikes! Ha! It was only you!"

The catbird circled over Sir Cardinal, squawking, "April Fools!"


(Editor's note. Cardinals are here in April, but catbirds aren't. Poetic license!)




In arts and entertainment...

By Sonia. Rose of Sharon photo also by Sonia.

You can take forsythia and if you hold it at the spot that attaches to the branch and let go, it will twirl down like a helicopter. But the four petals have to be fully open.

You can take wild onions and make jewelry from them. You can do the same with chives. Just loop them into circles and weave another piece over and under, around the circle to hold it in place. In this way, you can make rings, crowns, bracelets or necklaces.


In the garden...

Observations and illustration by Sara.



Currently in bloom:

bee balm, daisies (waning), oxalis, nasturtium, pansies, and butterfly bush


Currently producing:

blueberries, raspberries, basil, chives, sage, rosemary, sorrel, red russian kale, fennel, cucumbers, garlic, snap peas, and oregano





Musings...

By Sara. Bee balm photo also by Sara.

I wonder if the catbird will attract any cats?