|
|
| |  | |
| Homestead Magazine Summer 2008: Country Views |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ready for rescue
One of the most idyllic spots on a property
could also be the most dangerous—the farm pond. That’s why it’s best to have water rescue equipment at the ready. It doesn’t have to be fancy, according to Herb Willcutt, Extension safety specialist with Mississippi State University. "It is easy to make a rescue pole and 'throwing float,'" he states. "For the rescue pole, buy a length of 1-inch PVC pipe 20-feet long. Seal the ends with PVC caps so the pipe will float. This pole will be light enough even a child could guide it to a swimmer in need."
Throw a float. Buy a traditional ring buoy, or simply attach a rope, at least 30 feet long, to a heavy-duty plastic jug. Add about an inch of water to the jug, and screw the cap on tight. "The water will add enough weight to pull out the rope and give you some range when you throw," Willcutt says. "Sunlight will
photo degrade both the jug and rope, so both
may need to be replaced annually." Search
'Farm Pond Safety' for other suggestions.
Thirst for weeds
Would you like to make your lawn
more drought tolerant? Lindsey
Mann recommends you quench
your love of monocultures. “We
need to embrace diversity in our lawns,” notes
Mann, owner of Sustenance Design in Decatur,
Ga. “That means being more accepting
of dandelions, clover, and other plants we’ve
come to label as weeds. Most of these opportunistic
species are more tolerant of drought,
and if they didn’t like your soil and lawn
environment they wouldn’t keep cropping up.
Another plus, clovers are legumes and will
provide free nitrogen for your lawn grasses.”
Go native. If you are planning a lawn renovation, Mann recommends you look past
traditional lawn grass varieties and check out
native prairie grasses, especially the dwarf
varieties. They typically have deeper root systems and are more drought tolerant.
Where do butterflies drink?
You may not have given it much thought,
but butterflies need a good place to
drink. Provide that place, and you’ll
see more of these beauties flying
around. “Butterflies don’t like open water so a
bird bath won’t do,” advises Thomas Barnes,
Extension wildlife specialist at the University
of Kentucky. “Rather, find an area protected
from the wind, sink a pie tin into the ground,
and fill it with water and a mix of one-third peat moss and two-thirds plain old coarse builders sand. If you keep the mixture moist, butterflies can land and drink up that moisture.”
Give 'em a beer. This butterfly watering hole can also become a popular feeding station. "Butterflies are attracted to the amino acids in stale beer and rotting fruit," tells Barnes. "Add a little of either on top of your watering spot and you’ll provide food and water."
Search the web for 'Attracting Butterflies with
Native Plants' to get more information.
|
|
|
|
