Day #275 Voices

Sketch by Sylvia Draaistra
of Tom E. Toad.
As you can hear when you go outdoors on a warm spring evening, it's the mating time for frogs and toads.
Did you know that amphibians were the very first creatures to have a voice.
With the springtime warming, also comes the desire for humans to work outdoors, most often in the garden.
If you want to encourage toads to stay in your garden to keep insect populations at a natural level, and you have room at the back of your property, might I suggest that you find a corner whereby you dig a hole about 3' x 3' x 3', spread the removed dirt onto flowers beds, and refill the hole with sand or sandy loam.
Toads burrow into soft sand during the day to keep cool. You can place a toad-home on this area is you wish, keeping in mind that it should have only one entry.
To make it look nice, and stay even cooler on blazing hot days, plant annuals or perenials around the edges for shade.
Make your garden a toad-friendly place, while at the same time being environmentally helpful - as long as you haven't pesticides on your lawns. Toads and frogs have extremely sensitive skin. Even holding them too long is painful for them.
Then go for a nice bike ride in the country.