Your Say (June 27-July 3, 2019)
Grateful for Milkweed Seeds
Thanks to Helena Scher for your generosity in sharing your milkweed seeds.
We have lots of land. Some years we have lots of butterflies, but others not so many. From what I’ve read, milkweed seeds are one of the best answers.
–Charlene Shelton, Tracy’s Landing
Editor’s note: The Sheltons were one of dozens of gardeners who received milkweed seeds collected and packaged by Helena Scher, who donated them through Bay Weekly after a reader wrote last fall wondering where such seeds could be gotten. When Ms. Scher’s ample supply of seeds was exhausted, we were able to continue mailing out milkweed seeds thanks to Don Risher’s generous donation of seeds he had gathered and packaged.
Snappy Returns
Sunny, breezy days give vigor and growth to the oxygenator in my 900-gallon pond, now thick and green as an Irish meadow.
Each morning at 7:30, my husband feeds his goldfish. Some are descendants of those purchased 20 years ago. Standing at the edge, he taps repeatedly on the can of fish food. Soon orange flashes rush to the sound. Three years ago, something else swam toward the feeding zone. At first sight, he thought it was a snake, for all that could be seen was a brown head. No, no snake but a small three-inch snapping turtle. The ritual began with Snappy in attendance each morning
Hidden in the thick oxygenator he would disappear, only visible when feeding time arrived.
For two years he would disappear in the winter and magically appear again and again. I fear that this will be his last year in this pond. From a scant three inches he now appears to be seven inches. Snappers love fish, and my pond is a buffet of fish. I haven’t noticed any remains of goldies, but, again, with thick green growth, which I have to downsize, I can’t be certain.
But if he arrives next year I will net him and place him/her in a nearby pond. I will miss having this visitor. However, maybe, just maybe, another small voyager will find refuge in the future.
–Vicki Marsh, Churchton
Home Remedies for Protecting Earth
I am writing with info on simple things I do to help protect the earth. I save all the inside plastic bags that cereal comes in. I am not using plastic bottles of squirt soap; I’ve gone back to bar soap. Cut your plastic straws into small pieces. Don’t let the water run while doing a few dishes; Put them in the sink with a little water.
I was brought up on a farm with water from the old green pump.
–Charlotte Delaney, Prince Frederick