After a brief storm and a bit of rain, we are back to gorgeous, warm, and sunny weather. It is in the high 60's, maybe low 70's. My cherry tree finally decided to bloom. The plum and pluot trees are done.
Every year we get volunteer borage plants. Like the arugula, if you plant it once, you'll have it forever. It is an attractive plant with big fuzzy leaves. The bright blue flowers will start to open soon. They have a cucumbery flavor and are delicious in salad.
In the front yard, I have a deodar cedar tree. It is a graceful tree that provides shade and a nesting spot for several types of birds. My native shade garden is under this beautiful (although non-native) tree.
This year I decided to put out some of the fluff I've accumulated from preparing fiber. The birds will take bits for their nests. It is in a suet cage. Most of the fluff is Rambouillet combing waste. The wool was natural dyed in madder and cochineal last summer. I like this cage because it has little landing ledges that fold down.
I encourage you to put out fiber too. You can use pet fur and yarn scraps too (I have a few in my cage). Just be sure that it is animal fiber. Plant fibers are cold when wet and we want to keep the birdies warm. If you don't have a suet cage, use a mesh bag like produce sometimes comes in or a piece of tulle fabric, preferably with large holes. If the holes in the mesh are fine use tweezers to start pulling some of it out through the holes so the birds can find it. Easiest of all, you can toss fiber onto the lawn for the birds.
Each year rabbits are bought as Easter presents. Unfortunately, many of these rabbits are surrendered to rabbit rescues shortly after Easter. If you are thinking about getting a bunny, check out this site to learn more about what your new friend will need. I am going to Make Mine Chocolate this year.
I love your fiber cage!
When I was a little girl my mom would put hair from my hairbrush out for the birds (I had extremely long hair so there was always plenty!)I always got a huge kick in the fall when the leaves were off the trees and I'd sometimes see an abandoned bird's nest with a blonde lining.
Posted by: Wendy | March 30, 2007 at 11:40 AM
What a lovely garden you have!
Posted by: Jacquie | March 30, 2007 at 11:54 AM
I have heard of people doing this with their little bits of fiber and was wondering if they just let the wind take the fiber or what - thank you for showing your method! I can't think of a better use for my leftovers!
Posted by: elizabeth | March 30, 2007 at 01:12 PM
Oh! I forgot to say that I second you on borage - it's awesome, the flowers are edible and it's one of the few true blues found in nature.
Posted by: elizabeth | March 30, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Excellent use of a suet cage. I know I have one somewhere. I'm going to go round it up right now and do what you did. I love it!
Posted by: Norma | March 30, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Your fiber cage is such an excellent idea! I am so going to do this!
Posted by: Jen | March 30, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Maia...go right ahead and use the photo of my bag made with your wonderful pattern! Let me know if you would like me to send you the photo. Thanks :)
Great idea sharing your fiber scraps with the birds :) I bet there will be lots of colorful nests in your neighborhood!
Posted by: hakucho | March 30, 2007 at 04:47 PM
I stuck scraps of loosely spun, single-ply yarn in our pyracantha where robins have nested before. I hope someone made use of them.
Posted by: Becca | March 30, 2007 at 05:06 PM
Great idea with the leftover fibre. Up here the birds can use all the help that they can get.
And I've always wondered about people that impulse buy an animal and also wondered about the people who sell them.
Posted by: jackie | March 31, 2007 at 06:18 AM