Sunday, June 2, 2013

Creating a Wetland, Part III

Related Past Posts:

Creating a Wetland, Part I

Creating a Wetland, Part II

It's been less than a year since we created the wetland as documented in the posts above and it's incredible how well our native wetland plants have done and how much wildlife is using the wetland. It's now also a favorite hangout spot for us too!

Here are just a few pics to illustrate:

You can see the wetland sedges, rushes, shrubs (Buttonbush, Swamp Rose), and herbaceous plants along the wetland margin:


The nodding seed heads of this native sedge are spectacular!


If those are spectacular then what is this Iris? Stupendous!


One of our favorite native plants that inhabits wet areas: Boneset. Cool name. Cool leaves that wrap the stem entirely.


Sedge seed heads:


A couple of happy residents (Green frogs):


Today we transplanted prairie plants along the rivulet in the background that drains water from the barn roof into the wetland. We like to cover all of the habitat bases.

The next generation of...



 the American toad!


This little wetland provides habitat for wildlife and endless fascination for us! If you are considering creating your own wetland, don't delay, it's a lot of fun!



6 comments:

  1. This is awesome! It's been a fun journey watching you two create your farm home. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I was thinking of you guys over the weekend when I spotted what I think is a milkweed in flower, I need to check my flower book and be sure of it...WOW your wetland has really matured...great job. I created a water garden in a small 3 ft round prefab tub!

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  3. Wonderful to see life moving in to the new habitat. So fun to watch...my youngest would be ALL OVER this with frogs in it. He has a serious frog obsession right now. Well, that and dinosaurs! but don't think we'll see many of those visiting our neighborhood! Farm's coming along so nicely for you guys, you've put a lot of hard work into it. And, just wanted to update you...the house we were trying to buy for 6 months now was pulled from the market while the bank that foreclosed on it fixes a title problem. We have no idea if we will get it back under contract or not, so we keep looking...we're sad, but okay. Keep up the good work over there! ~Vonnie

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  4. WOW!!! This is great you guys!! I didn't know you were doing this! I am looking into creating a vernal pool on my property too. I don't think it will be quite like yours but I will have to let you know when I get rolling. Congratulations on how well yours is doing!! Nice work. It's been a beautiful year so far : )

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    1. Keep us posted! The vernal pool is so fun to watch. The recent rains made the A. toads and G. treefrogs sing, sing, sing! :) Happy summer!

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  5. You have done so much in a short amount of time!! I am amazed and inspired each day by all you do!

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