Flowers in the Front Yard, Vegetables in the Backyard - Garden Tradition

 Poke Week quickly turns buds (loved by insects) into berries, and berries into new starts, since 60 species of birds enjoy the berries.

I was enjoying the majestic growth of the Joe Pye in the front yard when I noticed two Pokeweeds elbowing their way into the sunshine. I have plenty of Poke in the back, so I was not welcoming to the latest incursion in the front. I grabbed my rose clippers and cut down both near the bottom of their greedy stalks.

They may may an effort to grow back the rest of the summer. The two have already done a lot in loosening and feeding of the soil. If birds want to plant their favorite food, I would rather have them plant wild strawberry, which blooms early and all summer long, in the shade and sun. They form a mat on the ground and do not compete with the flowers.

 Poke berries are supposed to be toxic to humans and beneficial for humans. They have very little taste, so I have only tried a couple of them. I experienced no benefits except red-stained teeth.

 We have to have some feelings for Poke, based on their offering a home for pollinating insects and food for the birds.

I have a moderate sized Poke growing among the Joe Pye in the backyard, recently edited garden. I could cut it down, but I know the Joe Pye will be more vigorous next year and throw shade on the Poke.

I have noticed that the birds are not buying the back-to-nature philosophy of modern woke hippies. Birds want packaged, highly promoted bird food from various sources. If they are out of store food, they perch near me and chatter or scream their needs. They have grass, loaded with worms and bugs, bushes good for safety and even more bugs, and trees for nesting, safety, and a Ft. Knox of insect food.

I have something they need more than food - water from two little swimming pools, water from the AC drip on the front porch, and water in the bird bath - inspected by Inspector Bob.

This is my health and wellness posting. If I do not publish early in the morning, I get emails, "Are you OK? I haven't seen a post yet."

 They are more concerned about breakfast than publishing.