I’m not a great gardener. At least not yet. I am a great learner, so there is a chance that one day I will have a garden showplace. One of my favorite pastimes in the morning before it heats up too much to sit in the sun is to relax on my beautiful bench and dream that garden into being. A plum tree over there. A honeysuckle vine or two behind the gazebo. A hydrangea between those two bushes.
For now, though, I’m grateful for every bush or plant or transplant I can keep alive.
Still, I consider myself a gardening success because I have managed to attract toads! It’s nothing I have done in particular except maybe watering my bushes and staying away from weed-killing chemicals, but I still feel vindicated as a gardener.
Although some people don’t like toads in their gardens, I like the little creatures. Not only do they eat copious insects, but they tickle me the way they turn their backs and wait motionlessly for the big bad human to pass them by. I’m sure they aren’t as pleased as I am. The poor things are probably terrified, but except for a couple of hours a day, they have the yard to themselves. The feral cats might find their way inside at times, but no dogs or other non-climbing creature can disturb the peace.
Mostly, they make themselves scarce, so I seldom see them, and certainly not long enough to take a photo.
I wonder if the toads would like a house? Some do, apparently. I was thinking of ordering a toad house, but while I was debating, the house sold and an alternate seller wanted way more than I thought it was worth. I could make a house, I suppose, but then I’d be getting away from a cute decoration into the whole messing with nature thing. It’s probably best to let the little creatures fend for themselves and count myself lucky they are doing their fending in my yard.
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Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One. “Grief: The Inside Story is perfect and that is not hyperbole! It is exactly what folk who are grieving need to read.” –Leesa Healy, RN, GDAS GDAT, Emotional/Mental Health Therapist & Educator
Bertram's Blog 
August 1, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Whatever that flower is, it’s beautiful! Good luck with plants!
August 1, 2020 at 9:46 pm
Find a broken clay flowerpot, set it in an out of the way spot to form a little overhang or shelter, and leave it. Toads and other critters will take shelter there as needed. 🙂
August 2, 2020 at 4:55 pm
Great idea! Now to find a broken pot, or even an unbroken one.
August 2, 2020 at 7:41 am
I love toads I’m my yard also. Their croaking along with other sounds from nature bring about a serenity. Have a couple of bids to get for some major work in my yard which will include getting a small water fall of sorts going again. When it works there are honey bees and a large verity of birds visiting with their songs. Even had a red tail hawk come for a drink. And toads, more toads croaking in the evening.
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August 2, 2020 at 4:57 pm
I would love a small waterfall, but considering the mosquito situation, I’m nervous about water decor.
August 2, 2020 at 5:30 pm
As I understand it, mosquitoes hate running water. Some flies seem to love it though, and get into a biting mood when rain is likely to provide.
August 2, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Good thinking. Maybe I’ll be able to find a small solar powered recirculating fountain.