Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Toad Abode


I mentioned a toad abode in my Saturday post about the sunflowers blooming in my small in width, but very tall garden! Yes, my garden is probably taller than it is wide at the moment. The sunflowers have reached the eaves and working towards being eye to eye with the chimney. Getting back to the toad abode…Robin of Life in Robin's Nest fame inquired about how to make a toad abode, so just in case there are others wanting an answer to this question, here it is…how to make a toad abode.

Let me start by mentioning my fondness for toads in the garden. Not only do I think a garden lucky if a toad chooses to reside within it, but I believe it’s truly blessed to count among the inhabitants, the humble songster who sings for his supper, a toad. I have tales of toads from gardens past, but none of them came close to the joy I felt while grilling a marinated chicken breast or three. We spied him hopping along the side of the house, the yet-to-be whacked grass creating a cover. He liked to linger about the water spigot, but seemed to return to the side of the house where the garden is. One evening, with three lazy black cats lounging in the grass and three humans sipping on a cool beverage, the toad hopped across the patio. Mr. Noodle, his hunting prowess too often evident in the gifts he bestows upon us, was the first to spy the little green guy. With a leap he sprang into inquisitive mode at the same time the sleek, black body of Miss Adventure hunched down into a predatory stance, while Anime the beautiful fraidy cat, looked on feigning an aloof posture, but ever so curious. We jumped into protective mode, grabbing cats and putting them indoors before one grabbed the toad and sent it flying into the air, a toy to be pawed, chased, and bitten. That was that, a toad must have a place to hide from frisky, finagling felines and to get out of the sun.
The Frisky Finagling Felines

The next morning, the little man and I rummaged through the garage looking for the right size pot. With a hammer I carefully tapped at the lip of the pot until a crack formed. Pushing on the crack a bit, I thought I could make a small opening that would serve as a door. The pot refused to give, so I tapped on the pot again. That did it…it cracked all right and broke the bottom off. I’m still wondering how the bottom of the pot broke clean off. No matter, it still makes a perfectly fine toad abode it just has a bit more character.


We set the toad house against the side of the garage in the garden. Tall sunflowers now shade it and add a touch of whimsical ambiance. A clay pot saucer makes a nice little swimming pond for the toad, a place to hang out in the evening, invite a few friends over for dining alfresco on slugs and bugs and finish off the night with a song or two.

Now I know there are really nice toad abodes you can purchase, but there’s something just right about a toad calling a clay pot home. Do it correctly by first using an exacto knife or any super sharp knife to outline an entrance with as much pressure as possible without creating a crack. Tap gently using a hammer until the entrance is formed. It’s really as simple as that. If you’re feeling creative, you can decorate the humble home with all sorts of things from paint to moss to sticks and stones.

Just a quick reminder. If you want natural predators in your garden refrain from using insecticides, pesticides or any toxic chemicals that do away with the good as well as the bad. *Ribbit ribbit*

14 comments:

  1. Adore your beasts! How many do you have? 5? I'm trying to figure it out. So cute is Mr. Noodle in his white triangle bib. Nice of you to make a garden for your furry friends.
    You are lucky to grow nasturtiums. So beautiful.

    Enjoy al fresco with your friends and singing too!!!!

    xox
    C

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  2. Three cats live here, there's two pictures of each of them. Mr. Noodle is a rogue, but we adore him.

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  3. Will the toad really go in there? How does he know to do that? How will you know if he does?

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  4. MJ...toads look for cover beneath stones, in tall grass, weeds or shaded areas so providing a pot is hopeful thinking that a toad will take up residence there. By adding a saucer of water you increase the chances that he'll stay put. I once discovered a toad beneath a clay pot lying on it's side. The porous nature of terra cotta makes them cool and a bit damp adding another inviting reason for toads to take up residence. I suppose you could tip the pot or in the case of my poorly created one, lift the top off, but doing so may make the little guy decide it's not such a safe refuge after all. I guess it comes down to providing and hoping with a little faith.

    You ask good questions!! LOL

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  5. Oh, look at your furballs! And I yes to having a toad in the garden - although I live in an apartment with a balcony so the chance of that happening would be miraculous. Still, I like your idea that it'll bring good luck.

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  6. Thanks so much for the directions Teresa! I'm going to try it tomorrow. Since I already have toads in my garden, I thought it only fair to give them a real home too! And thanks for the plug for my blog!

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  7. Susanna...yes they are little furballs of personality, both charming and ornery. I suppose a toad on a balcony could be a dangerous thing for the little green fellow, but one in a garden is such fun.

    Robin...You're welcome. I'm always getting ideas for posts from other blogs or the comments left behind after a visit. Thanks for jogging my memory. Good luck with your toad abode. If you have many toads maybe a whole village of toad homes?

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  8. I love this post. We recently started seeing toads in the garden and love how they help to control the insects. I am going outside to look for a terra cota pot that I can use :-)

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  9. Thanks for the reminder on using nature's very own insect repellant.

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  10. Hi Theresa 0.
    Just dropping by to give my regards to the toads and Mr. Noodle the rogue his two companions. Have fun playing in your garden. How did your dinner go?

    xox
    Constance

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  11. Teresa, We have frogs, but not toads. Now I know what to do to attract them. Wish me luck! Pam x

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  12. Hey Theresa O,
    Just stopping by to salute you and your 3 gorgeous felines!
    xox
    Constance

    ps
    About the bike.
    It is a Huffy. Got it on sale at walmart for 75. Basket was 20 also walmart!!

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  13. I love Mr Noodle. We have 3 black and whities that look so much like yours. Gems, every one!

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