Dandelions

In addition to my posts about Kerri and mine's organic gardening, this is a "mini-post" detailing how much our lizards love dandelions! Even though dandelions are the enemy of 1950's lawn-scaping, this under appreciated weeds contains tons of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K,  and Calcium.

As you may or may not have wondered, "what about weed killers?"
Since dandelions are a part of Pierce, Pogo, Bowser, and Odin's diets, neither Kerri nor I use chemicals in our yards. Having said that, it would be naive to pick any and all wild weeds in the neighborhood because there is a risk of chemical contamination. I'm not above buy food at the store, but I do feel great feeding my animals straight from the yard.

Can you see Pierce devouring his treats?

Believe it or not, dandelions can be good for people's health too! All those Vitamins and Calcium-
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html

The Garden Project 2.0

It's that season-finally! Gardening is a new, fun and perpetual learning experience.

With the help of a very good friend, I got our seeds started indoors a little early. "Good" meaning both "close" and "a super experienced gardener".
On 3/15/16 we planted kale, mustard, lettuce, collards and marigolds. I used organic potting soil, organic bumper crop and a pencil to put the seeds in. I sprinkled a random amount in each little hole, made with a pencil.

This is my first time growing from seed. Last year, I used well started plants grown from that very same good friend.

So imagine my excitement one week later when I saw my very first home-grown seedlings! The seed-starter contraption came with a clear plastic top to keep the seeds warm while I was anxiously waiting.

Then it was time to thin out the seedlings. For a novice like me, it means desperately detangling delicate roots, killing half of them and planting the rest in a bigger container.  And my cat watched with that judging gaze!

Very helpful Sources:

http://anoregoncottage.com/vegetable-garden-series-caring-for-seedlings-week-1/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8ukSvFiIx4&spfreload=10#t=557.624671

We Love All Animals - Part Two

Kerri and I love and appreciate all animals. Our mission is to promote respect for animals as well as an appreciate for traditional art practices.

But what you may not know is every way we accomplish our mission. The Drawing Zoo donates a portion of its profits to support non-profits with similar missions. Every year we bring our interns to visit these animal welfare organizations. One of these organizations is Poplar Spring Animals Sanctuary. This team of people volunteer, work and live on a 400 acre farm dedicated to caring for exploited farmed animals and local wildlife. They promote compassion for the under appreciated and educate visitors about Maryland's local wildlife and eco-system.

With every visit to the sanctuary, we learn something new. For example, the way that the care takers on the sanctuary protect their hen house from natural predators (foxes and raccoons) is to scatter the hen's eggs around the perimeter of the property. The predators find it so easy to collect the eggs, that they aren't motivated to intrude the hen house. How clever! 

Because this farm is a sanctuary, and many of the animals have already been used in farms or factory farms,  Poplar Spring Animals Sanctuary does not make or sell products derived from their animals. It is relaxing and refreshing to appreciate these animals for their personalities and beauty rather than what they can do for us.

See more about Poplar Spring in the News!