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Wildlife

Wildlife is as important as plants in a garden. These tips show how to welcome pollinators and other wild things into the garden with recommended plants, organic garden practices, and garden designs that provide vital food and habitat.

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How to Make Hummingbird Sugar Water

Hummingbird Migration Map (Find Out When to Expect Them)

Fall Hummingbird Migration (Canada & United States)

Make a Robin Nesting Shelf (Free Plans)

Published on January 24, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

American robin in mud.

Build a robin nesting box with these free plans. Robins are attracted to this unique design with a sheltered shelf to secure the nest and raise their young. The robin (Turdus migratorius) nesting … [Read more...]

2026 Hummingbird Migration Map (Find Out When to Expect Them)

Published on January 7, 2026Last updated February 8, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Spring hummingbird migration map for the United States and Canada.

Spring is migration time for hummingbirds travelling from their winter homes to breeding habitats in the United States and Canada. Use this tracking map to know when to expect them in your … [Read more...]

Why Ants in the Garden Arenโ€™t a Problem (and Actually Help)

Published on September 2, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage showing close up of black ant next to flower garden

Ants may look like pests, but they play a valuable role in garden soil health and pest control. Here's why you can stop worrying and let them be. If ants are taking over your hummingbird feeders in … [Read more...]

Phenology: The Secret Calendar Every Gardener Uses (Without Realizing It)

Published on August 31, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Plants and animals that mark phenological events including a bluejay, frog, bee, butterfly, mosquito, and apple blossoms.

Discover how seasonal changes guide plant and wildlife behaviorโ€”and why gardeners rely on phenology, often without realizing it, to plan and grow their gardens. An example of how we garden … [Read more...]

2025 Fall Hummingbird Migration (Canada & United States)

Published on August 1, 2025Last updated September 1, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Fall hummingbird migration map for the United States and Canada.

The fall hummingbird migration south from parts of Canada and the United States begins as temperatures start to cool. When it starts depends on their summer location and how far they have to travel. … [Read more...]

Why Hummingbirds Are Avoiding Your Feeders

Published on May 11, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Hummingbird avoiding sugar water feeder

Wondering why nearby hummingbirds aren't visiting your feeders? This checklist looks at why they might be avoiding your yardโ€”or choosing a neighborโ€™s instead. By understanding what they need, you can … [Read more...]

Tips for Creating a Wildlife Pond & Garden

Published on April 15, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Wildlife pond in urban garden with dragonfly.

Wildlife gardening can transform even a modest urban space into a thriving habitat. In these videos, UK ecological gardener Chris Baines shares how he created his own wildlife garden and pond decades … [Read more...]

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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
Join me as I share creative + frugal home & garden ideas with a dash of humor.
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