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June 24, 2021
Drama at the Birdfeeder
by Joey Bokor
by Joey Bokor
In our backyard, very close to our patio table, there is a large crape myrtle tree. It has the coolest shape.
A nice thick trunk that goes up about six feet, then a sort-of elliptical canopy that is perfectly formed for the corner
of the yard. It has become our bird tree, with a few bird feeders hanging in it. (For a while, the girls commandeered
it as a fort, but the piece of plywood they lugged up as a seat has been forgotten as of late.) We love having that
tree in a spot where we eat at least half of our meals, because we get to see all kinds of birds. Cardinals,
blue jays, mockingbirds, titmouse, sparrows, birds in all shapes and colors.
But something else loves that tree. Every squirrel in a thousand-foot radius. Not the cute little red squirrels from the old children's book Miss Suzie. Nope. Mean old grey squirrels. Maybe I'm just bitter because they keep eating my mangos, avocados, and macadamia nuts in addition to most of the bird seed. They are just not well-skilled in sharing.
And the birds know it. The other morning, I saw the funniest sight. A squirrel was sitting in the middle of the tree, equidistant from both of the feeders. Surrounding it were four different types of birds: a blue jay, a cardinal, a titmouse and a not-to-be-left out little sparrow. You could tell they were all jockeying for position in the tree. The squirrel was all a twitter going tch-tch-tch-tch-tch and the birds were definitely tweeting at the top of their lungs. Unfortunately, the squirrel won out in the end and helped himself to a huge serving of delightful bird seed. I know that I need to get some squirrel-proof feeders and move the feeders to limit the access the squirrels have, but I don't know, I kind of like the daily drama at the birdfeeder.
Being the first week of summer, the heat is definitely on. Be sure you are staying cool and hydrated and that you are keeping all of your favorite plants watered. One of our favorite summer harvests (when the squirrels don't get them) is avocados. Our trees at home are loaded this year and are about ready to harvest. They are an easy tree to grow at home and a tasty, healthy snack for a hot summer's day. Sliced with a little salt is my favorite way to eat them, but whipped into a light guacamole on some salty nachos is a close second. See below for our tips on growing avocado trees and come see us to get one for your yard today. You'll feed yourself and probably the neighborhood squirrels, too. The drama might just be worth it.
But something else loves that tree. Every squirrel in a thousand-foot radius. Not the cute little red squirrels from the old children's book Miss Suzie. Nope. Mean old grey squirrels. Maybe I'm just bitter because they keep eating my mangos, avocados, and macadamia nuts in addition to most of the bird seed. They are just not well-skilled in sharing.
And the birds know it. The other morning, I saw the funniest sight. A squirrel was sitting in the middle of the tree, equidistant from both of the feeders. Surrounding it were four different types of birds: a blue jay, a cardinal, a titmouse and a not-to-be-left out little sparrow. You could tell they were all jockeying for position in the tree. The squirrel was all a twitter going tch-tch-tch-tch-tch and the birds were definitely tweeting at the top of their lungs. Unfortunately, the squirrel won out in the end and helped himself to a huge serving of delightful bird seed. I know that I need to get some squirrel-proof feeders and move the feeders to limit the access the squirrels have, but I don't know, I kind of like the daily drama at the birdfeeder.
Being the first week of summer, the heat is definitely on. Be sure you are staying cool and hydrated and that you are keeping all of your favorite plants watered. One of our favorite summer harvests (when the squirrels don't get them) is avocados. Our trees at home are loaded this year and are about ready to harvest. They are an easy tree to grow at home and a tasty, healthy snack for a hot summer's day. Sliced with a little salt is my favorite way to eat them, but whipped into a light guacamole on some salty nachos is a close second. See below for our tips on growing avocado trees and come see us to get one for your yard today. You'll feed yourself and probably the neighborhood squirrels, too. The drama might just be worth it.
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Happy Gardening, The Kerby's Nursery Family 
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Avocado Trees - 10% OffAdd something tasty to your landscape with an avocado tree. 10% off this week only.
10% taken off of regular marked price
Can't be combined with other discounts.
Discount valid through 6/30/2021
Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? Either way, avocados are just delicious. Eat them fresh with a pinch of salt. Mash them up for fresh guacamole. The best part? Avocados are really good for you. So plant a tree and dig in. 1. Planting - Plant avocado trees in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Well-drained soil is a must, so pick a location that doesn't stay wet. To get trees off to a great start, use a bag of Kerby's Planting Soil to amend the soil. And finally, give avocado trees plenty of room to grow. Most varieties grow 20 to 30 feet tall and spread out up to 20 feet as well, so plan accordingly.
2. Watering - New trees need water daily in the first month, every other day in the second month and twice weekly in the third month, always in the morning. After this period, avocado trees need a deep watering once per week.
3. Fertilizer - Keep trees strong by providing them the major and minor nutrients they need. Fertilize monthly for the first year with Kerby's 8-4-8 fertilizer (which contains the major elements as well as minor elements, such as iron, manganese and zinc). Thereafter, fertilize in the spring, summer and fall.
4. Pollination and Fruiting - Avocado varieties are classified into two 'types', A or B. Both tree types have male and female flowers, but each type releases and receives pollen at different times over a two day cycle. Trees will produce the best harvests when an A and B variety are planted near each other. If you only have room for one tree, choose an A variety. They are the best at self-pollinating. Avocado trees fruit in late summer to fall and since all of Kerby's trees are grafted, you should expect to see your first fruits in 2 to 3 years.
5. Pest Control - Avocados do not have major pest or disease issues. A natural pesticide such as Neem Oil can be used as needed.
Kerby's Guacamole Recipe
3 fresh avocados, peeled and mashed
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lime juiced
1 teaspoon cumin
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Cayenne pepper (to taste)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Combine all ingredients together. If you want a smooth guacamole, use a food processor to combine. Spoon into serving bowl and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve chilled with a side of chips.
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Happy Frog Soil
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Blooming Lantana Drought Tolerant and Great for Butterflies 6" Pot - $6.99 |
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