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Birds & Other Wildlife

How to Protect Nesting Boxes With a DIY Predator Block

Published on September 11, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Wren nesting box with predator block at entry hole.

By adding a simple predator guard to bird nesting boxes you can stop animals like racoons, snakes, squirrels, and other bird species from raiding the nest. For free plants see Free Wren Nesting Box … [Read more...]

Why Frogs & Toads Are Good For Our Gardens

Published on May 13, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Frog floating on lily pad in garden pond.

It's a good sign to have native frogs and toads in our gardens. It means we're providing the food and habitat these environmentally-sensitive creatures need to thrive. Find out what you can do to … [Read more...]

The Surprising Benefits of Moths in Your Garden

Published on April 5, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Moths in the garden.

Just like butterflies, native moths are important plant pollinators and act as a food source for other animals. While invasive species pose challenges, the many thousands of beneficial moth species … [Read more...]

Deer-proofing Your Garden: Does Anything Really Work?

Published on March 10, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Deer standing in home flower garden.

Deer can cause a lot of destruction in a home garden. Can we really keep them out or stop them from eating our plants? Let's look at popular recommendations for deterring deer and find out which tips … [Read more...]

How To Grow a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Published on February 7, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Hummingbird taking nectar from a flower.

Transform your garden into a hummingbird haven with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers, nutritious bugs, and plenty of trees and shrubs in a pesticide-free environment. If you also want to provide … [Read more...]

Free Nesting Box Building Plans for Wild Birds

Published on January 21, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Nesting boxes for bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens.

Birdhouses offer safe nesting spots, but each bird species has different needs. Use these plans to build boxes that suit your favorite backyard birds. This shows why decorative birdhouses can be … [Read more...]

Homemade Peanut Butter Suet for Birds (Easy Recipe)

Published on November 28, 2022 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Mixing homemade peanut butter suet for wild birds.

This homemade peanut butter suet recipe feeds wild birds in the winter when food is scarce. It's a simple way to make suet without lard and well-loved by various birds including woodpeckers and … [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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