Hi there, I’m Melissa, and this is where I post my thoughts. I’m a writer with a passion for nature, growth, gardening, and creating a peaceful space to raise my family and welcome my friends. A decade ago, we moved from South Florida, where I was raised, to the panhandle. After many years of caring for a tropical garden, I transitioned to this interesting environment, where many tropical plants still grow, but mingle with the stunning deciduous hardwoods of the Southeast. The transition from sandy soil to Georgia’s iconic red clay opened up a whole new world of gardening.

Here on my half-acre homestead, I grow a multitude of native species in an extensive pollinator garden. I also tend to a substantial cutting garden, about a dozen and a half chickens, several thousand honeybees, fruit trees, and plenty of homegrown vegetables. My objective here is to create a thriving and lively ecosystem in my small space. I’ll share my methods of pollinator-safe pest control, soil building, and encouraging local wildlife. I love frogs, butterflies, birds, and opossums. I tolerate squirrels, bunnies, snakes, and raccoons. Our yard is home to an array of wildlife, in addition to being the preferred hangout of at least two neighborhood cats that compete for napping space in the greenhouse.