Planting for Wildlife

What do birds, butterflies, leaves, minimal mowing chores, wood piles, and flowers have in common? It’s not a trick question. The answer is all are part of a wonderful, wildlife friendly yard.

This is the focus of a free program titled “Planting for Wildlife,” sponsored by the Oxford Garden Club on January 4, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Oxford Community Center, located at 200 Oxford Road. The presentation will be led by Reenie Rice, a wildlife enthusiast, environmentalist, and gardener who has herself created wildlife havens in her yard for many years. “Plant it, and they will come,” Reenie says.

Reenie Rice is currently the Horticulture Chairman of the Eastern Shore, Federated Garden Club of Maryland; a Master Naturalist; and is a “willing to try all sorts of stuff if it will help an ecosystem” individual.

As Reenie explains, “Birds and butterflies along with bees and other pollinators love the flowers and, in some cases, wood piles. Many butterflies, moths, and other pollinators love leaves, so please, leave the leaves. Making room for these things means less mowing (and raking) for you.”

Planting for wildlife is all about sharing your yard and having more time to spend with friends and family. Who wouldn’t like fewer mowing chores? Who isn’t sick of cleaning up leaves? Who doesn’t want to see birds flying freely about along with precious butterflies visiting the blooms, and amazing looking bees (not all bees look like honeybees as some are actually shiny and very, very pretty)?

Reenie’s presentation challenges us to reprogram the way we do yard work to help wildlife. Reenie says, “It’s all a matter of opening our minds and hearts, and to be willing to do less yard chores.”

For more information, email oxfordmdgc@gmail.com.