SHARE:  
Skunk-tastic!
Did you know that skunks would rather eat a tomato hornworm than a tomato? And that before the era of pesticides, farmers appreciated those insect-eating ways so much that they lobbied for legal protection for skunks? These gentle animals have much to offer, but they're often misunderstood. We should welcome these cute little stinkers to your garden. Here's why.

The Book Has Sprouted
The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife has hit the bookstores! Already in its second printing, it has received rave reviews: “Gorgeously written” … "A passionate and well-researched rallying cry” … "A very important book that everyone with a container gardener to a postage stamp yard to a large piece of property should read.” Read all about it.
An Unusual Book Reviewer?
Just after I finished writing the book, this butterfly landed on my knee for a while. I like to think she was signaling her approval. By then my mind and heart were quiet enough to notice her presence. But there was a time when such treasured connections with the natural world were too often lost to modern distractions. Here's how the spring butterflies helped me emerge into fuller awareness of the creatures all around me.
Who Dunnit?
Which wonderful wild creature made the holes in this grapevine leaf? Find out at my talk this Saturday, April 22, at the Howard County GreenFest in Maryland, where you can hear other inspiring speakers, buy native plants, and get a signed copy of The Humane Gardener in the exhibit hall. Check out The Humane Gardener event schedule for more upcoming talks and book signings, including Green Festivals in New York City and Washington, D.C., and contact us if you're interested in organizing an event in your own community. 
Photo credits: skunk: Marilylle Soveran; all others: Nancy Lawson