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| This is more formal than my current arrangement of logs. |
In a Creation garden, 99% of what happens is built into the engineering of every plant and creature, the weather, and even the rocks. That is also true in the formal man-made garden, but the hard-working humans often do not realize it. The ultra-neat chemical gardeners destroy much of the natural life by using chemical fertilizers and insecticides.
Trees are being trimmed, and wood treasures are being placed at the curb to be taken away. I also grabbed a few tree trunk sections to use as bird perches and informal chairs. The end of the main rose garden will be logs, end to end.
Our helper and I carried logs from across the street so robins would have watch-towers for their insect and worm hunts. I am more concerned about stubs sticking into the air than neatness. Later we will put cardboard under them to make them a little neater.
When I drove back from the store with Mrs. I, a robin was on the top of his perch and pouncing on meals. I said, "That just what I wanted!"
A few trunks can make a short border or a circle around the feeders or informal seating. Our helper's son used a trunk to sit on while he filled the big bird-bath.
What happens when a log or trunk section is placed on the ground?
- Shade and trapped moisture gives the soil creatures underneath a place for shelter and food. Beneath is really a miniature compost area, with earthworms, sowbugs, pillbugs, centipedes, millipedes, slugs, mites, bacteria, and protozoa enjoying the bounty of food and damp conditions of rot.
- Fungi begin to dissolve the wood into plant food, which they deliver to roots through their tube system.
- Spiders build webs because they know insect activity will increase.
- Toads use the log for shelter and enjoy the extra food there.
- Birds perch on top to sun themselves and preen their feathers after a bath.
- Insects use quiet places to warm up and dry out after hatching.
Given all that activity, wouldn't want some trunks in your gardening area? I think so.
