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Birds & Other Wildlife

Phenology: Using Nature’s Signs & Signals as a Gardener

Published on April 20, 2020Last updated October 6, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Robin nest with blue eggs.

Phenology is the study of plants and animals through seasonal changes. By observing and tracking these events, we gain a deeper understanding of life within our gardens. You may also enjoy seeing … [Read more...]

Free Bluebird House Plans (Audubon Nesting Box Tutorial)

Published on March 29, 2020Last updated October 6, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Bluebird sitting on top of nesting box.

Build a bluebird house with this free tutorial. This Audubon design makes the nesting box easy to build, maintain, and predator-resistant. I also have free plans for a wren nesting … [Read more...]

What to Do if You Find Bones in Your Garden

Published on February 18, 2020Last updated October 23, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Animals bones found in a garden.

What would happen if you found bones while digging in the garden? Would you know what to do? What is legal and what is safest? Today's guest post comes from a biological anthropologist with some … [Read more...]

10 Tips for Hand Feeding Wild Birds

Published on December 29, 2019Last updated October 23, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Hand feeding wild birds.

Want to hand-feed wild birds? These tips walk you through a plan to gradually build trust and offer seed in the palm of your hand. Before starting, be certain it is legal and safe to feed wildlife and … [Read more...]

Create Seed Pod Bouquets for Winter Birds

Published on October 9, 2019Last updated November 18, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Seed pod bouquet created with a burlap ribbon.

Here’s a sweet way to dress up your garden for the winter: bundle up old flowering perennials with burlap ribbon and leave the seeds for the birds. You will nourish wildlife and, come spring, it’s … [Read more...]

How to Remove Skunk Spray (No, Not With Tomato Juice)

Published on June 27, 2019Last updated October 23, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Skunk in the garden.

Forget the tomato juice! This is what you use to remove skunk spray. It’s a simple recipe you can make at home to remove skunk odor from humans, pets, and clothing. If you want to keep compost … [Read more...]

DIY Hummingbird Feeder with Mason Jars

Published on June 25, 2019Last updated November 18, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Hummingbird landing on mason jar feeder.

Make a DIY hummingbird feeder with small mason jars. They’re easy to assemble, simple to clean, and hummingbirds approve. The recipe for how to make sugar water for hummingbirds is … [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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