We’ve been getting our raised beds ready for sowing today. Inevitably we have unearthed a lot of mini-beasts. If we had been counting, I’m pleased to say that earth worms would be in the lead. We chatted about why earthworms were very welcome and we do our best to look after them. We like our underground farmers, turning waste into fertile soil for us. We have two composts, which work really well.
After AJ mimed out how moles eat worms (bite off heads, squeeze out earth and all in one), I couldn’t help feeling sorry for these hard working creatures, who are at the bottom of so many life cycles. Imagine a world without them.
The children love holding any of the beasties we find. We try to return them to where they came from. The worms went back in the beds and the children watched as they wriggled quickly back into the soil.
This woodlouse looks like it is shaking hands. Probably pleading not to be eaten. Last year, I had to ban woodlice houses from bedrooms, as they kept escaping.
I now have two raised beds at the ready and I’ve rescued a whole tray of alpine strawberries to be planted by the children. They are excited at the idea of handfuls of mini strawberries.
After all that work, even the most enthusiastic gardener needs a sit down, to contemplate their next adventure.
I’m linking this to The Magic Onion’s Friday Nature Table. Pop over and see what others have been up to. Hope you find it as inspiring as I do.
I was just looking into earthworms in Arizona. I wish we had more of them! The little friends in our garden right now are ladybug larva. We are ever grateful for their presence. Some three year old boys are just a little too enthusiastic about them…
Every shovelful I dig yields lots of worms, so it is amazing to think of digging and seeing no earthworms. Easy to take them for granted.
Love the sitting down photo !
and thanks for the link:0)
Val – He has a horrible cold at the moment, so I think he was happy to sit down.
Loving your little creatures. I can’t wait to start preparing our beds and gardens. Still too cold up here. At least the plants we’ve started are doing great!
Elizabeth – I keep going out and encouraging my seedlings to get bigger. I can’t wait to go out with with my trug and gather the first lettuce. I must be patient.
We have been loving earthworms too! My little T loves to collect them.
I, too, love the daffodil photo… very contemplative! Hope he is feeling better from his cold.
Thanks so much for sharing on Friday’s Nature Table.
Blessing and magic to you,
Donni
Donni – TF is feeling much better, thank you, and is watching tractors at the end of the garden at the moment. We are enjoying joining in with The Magic Onion nature table. It’s fascinating to see what is interesting people from different parts of the globe.
What a peaceful post……I felt like I was sitting right along side your son there in the last picture. I AM pooped because I am also creating more garden beds. Hard work is so very satisfying.
Wendy – You’re right there is so much satisfaction, at the end of the day, seeing what you have acheived with hard work and just imagining what it will look like after a few weeks of growth.