Today was one of those moments that reminds me why the small things matter, and that we can practice landcare even in our own backyards.
Last year, I planted a native garden in our backyard. At the time, it was nothing more than a bare dirt patch. Every plant I chose came from our local community nursery, grown from local seed and perfectly suited to our patch of the Central Tablelands.
That matters here. Today it will be 35 degrees, but we have winter frosts that dip to minus five, so plants that belong to this place are built to survive it. But even more importantly, they belong here for the birds, insects and pollinators that rely on them.
Today, I felt proud as punch watching native bees foraging on the Chrysocephalum apiculatum — commonly known as Common Everlasting or Yellow Buttons. Tiny, busy, and completely at home.
I’ll admit, I’m no native bee expert, but I think this little lady may be from the Leiproctus family. Whoever she is, she’s exactly who this garden was planted for.
Moments like this are easy to miss — but when you stop, notice, and take them in, they feel pretty special. A reminder that local plants, local seed, and a little patience can turn a dirt patch into a living, breathing ecosystem.
Sometimes, enjoying the small things is everything. 💛