Jottings

On Leaving the Leaves (3/16/2023) - Last November, in my efforts to support pollinators and other insects, I left the leaves on the garden beds. In late fall and throughout winter, maple, oak, and magnolia leaves masked the bare soil of unplanted areas with a colorful, textured blanket that provided insulation and habitat. Now the garden feels like a patch of woodland, which is great for critters, but frustrating, because I can't see what's going on beneath the leaves.
First Kinglet of the Season (3/10/2023) - The first kinglet of spring 2023 appeared today, in the river birch as usual. Among the branches, movements, so quick they're easily mistaken for a trick of the wind or illusion of the eye.