Vegetable gardening sometimes seems strictly utilitarian: how many tomatoes and green beans can I harvest? But I remain mindful of the wildlife and insects that also find value in my garden and the yard around it. Even when it’s been a tough year for growing veggies, I take genuine pleasure in knowing I’ve provided a safe haven for the other living beings with whom we share the landscape.

I’ve written before about encouraging bees, butterflies, and other insects in the garden and landscape. While some see caterpillars and other insects as pests, having healthy bug populations in your yard is the foundation for sustaining wildlife. Many people think of birds first when they picture backyard wildlife, but reptiles – especially lizards – are also key links in our local food chain. Copy arti

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