AJ's

I love sharing these! These kids always look like they are having the best time!

🦅 The Osprey's Elegance: A Master of the Skies 🦅

The osprey, known for its incredible fishing skills and striking presence, never fails to captivate. From its intense focus as it eyes its prey to the powerful sweep of its wings in flight, this bird of prey is a true symbol of wild beauty and precision. Whether perched with a fresh catch or soaring above the water, the osprey commands respect and admiration.

📸 Swipe through to witness the osprey in action. Which moment speaks to you the most? Drop a comment below!

Excellent Op-ed from the Executive Director over at MMSD. This is fantastic news, but we can't rest on our laurels. We must continue to protect our waterways. We're making a difference thanks to our deep tunnel system, water reclamation facilities, flood management programs, and green infrastructure. Let's manage water where it falls and ensure our rivers remain safe and clean!

Is the Milwaukee River Safe to Swim In? | Blue Notes Bacteria levels in rivers determine if they are swimmable. Learn if Milwaukee is clean enough to swim in.

🌱🦟 Nature's Own Pest Control! 🦟🌱

Check out this fascinating sight in our garden today: a beneficial wasp capturing a caterpillar! 🐝🌿 These natural predators play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem by keeping pest populations in check. 🌼🌾

I have quite a few wasps in my garden, and while they might seem intimidating, their benefits far outweigh any concerns. By fostering a diverse garden, you can encourage these helpful insects to thrive. Planting a variety of flowers and herbs not only beautifies your space but also attracts natural pest controllers like ladybugs, lacewings, and our friend here, the wasp. 🐞🌺

Embrace nature's way of balancing the ecosystem and reduce the need for chemical pesticides. It's a win-win for your garden and the environment! 🌍💚

Not sure if this link works but the gig gave me a lil shout-out on their Linkedin page!

www.linkedin.com

Yesterday, I had an incredible experience at Buckhorn State Park, WI—I spotted my very first Scarlet Tanager! 🐦🔥 These stunning birds are known for their vibrant red plumage, and seeing one in person was absolutely breathtaking.

Although my photo didn’t turn out as perfect as I’d hoped, the memory of this encounter will stay with me forever. Sometimes, it's not about getting the perfect shot but about appreciating the beauty of nature and the thrill of the moment.

If you’ve ever had a memorable birdwatching experience, I'd love to hear about it!

🌸 Wildflower Wonderland🌸

Just couldn't resist sharing this vibrant wildflower centerpiece! 🌻🌼🌺 Straight from the garden to my table, these blossoms bring a touch of nature's beauty indoors. Each flower tells its own story, bursting with color and life.

What's your favorite summer bloom? 🌞

I have never seen a Walking Stick until now!

# # # 🌸 Grow Bee Balm in Your Urban Garden! 🌸

Looking to add a splash of color and attract pollinators to your garden? Consider Bee Balm (Monarda)! This vibrant plant is perfect for urban gardeners. Check out the benefits and tips for growing this amazing flower. 🌿

# # # # Benefits of Growing Bee Balm:
1. **Pollinator Magnet** 🐝: Bee Balm attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, boosting pollination in your garden.
2. **Medicinal Marvel** 🌱: Used traditionally for its medicinal properties, Bee Balm can help with colds and respiratory issues.
3. **Culinary Delight** 🍵: Use the leaves to brew a flavorful tea or add them as a seasoning in your cooking.

# # # # Growing Tips:
1. **Sunlight** ☀️: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
2. **Soil** 🌾: Prefers well-draining, rich soil.
3. **Watering** 💧: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
4. **Spacing** ↔️: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.
5. **Pruning** ✂️: Deadhead spent blooms and cut back stems after the first frost to encourage new growth.

# # # # Business Ideas:
1. **Flower Sales** 💐: Sell fresh cut or dried Bee Balm flowers for floral arrangements.
2. **Herbal Products** 🌿: Create and market herbal teas, essential oils, or natural remedies.
3. **Plant Sales** 🌱: Propagate and sell young Bee Balm plants to fellow urban gardeners.

Add Bee Balm to your garden for its beauty, benefits, and business potential! 🌸✨

Happy Gardening! 🪴💚

Garden life!

🌱🌿 Urban Gardening Bliss 🌿🌱

Check out our thriving urban garden! 🌼 These raised beds are packed with fresh, organic veggies and herbs, perfect for summer meals. From crisp greens to vibrant squash blossoms, our garden is a testament to what a little love and care can achieve in an urban setting. 🥒🥬

Urban gardening not only provides fresh produce but also helps bring a sense of peace and fulfillment. Whether you have a backyard or just a small balcony, anyone can start growing their own food. 🌞🌻

Interested in starting your own garden? Drop a comment or send us a message for tips and tricks! Let's grow together! 🌍💚

Some stuff from the garden featured in todays meal!

I thought this would be perfect lil flower pot for my Wife!

Wait when Walmart buy Hayneedle?????

Man help these folks out, yall know these kids could be doing any and everything else in the world!

We added a few things to our Amazon Wishlist that we need for Saturdays. Please support if you can - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2H73EZ1H1QGOR/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

Morning serenade captured in a fleeting moment. This enchanting hummingbird, with its iridescent green feathers, found a moment of calm at the feeder. 🌿✨ "

Farmers Market time!

The name "Narcissus" for the flower has its origins in Greek mythology. According to legend, Narcissus was a beautiful young man who was exceptionally proud. He was so infatuated with his own reflection in a pool of water that he eventually fell in and drowned, or in some versions, he wasted away staring at his reflection. After his death, a flower sprang up where he had been, and it was named "Narcissus" in his honor.

The name is also linked to the Greek word "narke," which means "numbness" or "stupor," possibly referring to the narcotic properties of the plant or the enchanting, almost hypnotic allure of its beauty. Thus, the flower's name combines both mythological and linguistic roots.