Thank you to the readers who called and wrote with suggestions on how we can keep our white rabbit from devouring the flowers and vegetables when it is time to transplant them into the garden. We even had a letter from a gentleman in Temple, Texas. His suggestion, “strategically scatter moth balls”. Another idea that came from a caller was to spread tobacco around where we didn’t want the rabbit to venture. Little does that rabbit know what he is in store for now. We’ll keep you posted. And don’t think he doesn’t have plenty of other things to eat. In addition to two bowls of rabbit chow, the Dietary Department keeps him supplied with lettuce and raisin bread.

We’ve talked before about the baby starfish on the sides of the Assisted Living Saltwater Reef Aquarium. A few are still there and growing. Just to look at them they don’t appear to move around. Not true! When the tank builds up algae on the glass you can see their little “footprints” – actually would be little “sucker prints” as if they were wandering around in green snow.

We really appreciate all your donations in the Wildlife Feed Donation Box (formerly BirdSeed Donation Box). Paula felt like she had to change the name since it goes without saying that the squirrels are at least as active as the birds at those feeders and that’s not even counting the raccoons at night. Any amount is appreciated – including change -- because it all adds up. One of the private sitters presented Paula with a $5 bill because she has gotten so interested in watching the birds.

things necessary for wildlife – food, water and shelter. By the way, Tulsa will have a Habitat Garden Tour in June. Carol stressed the importance of native plants and also left us information on what else you need to know – here’s a sample:

• With hollies you need female and female if you want berries.

• Instead of regular Honeysuckle, which is too invasive, plant Coral Honeysuckle.

• Hedges are good places for birds to build nests.

• Woodpeckers are partial to dead trees and fallen logs.

This month on March 26^th the Garden Club (that’s any resident who might enjoy going) is taking our bus over to Wild Birds Unlimited. Owner/manager, Susan Barnes is a special friend of St. Simeon’s. She has been here to give programs, donated bird-related items several times and even gives us a discount on our birdseed! Her store recently moved to The Farm Shopping Center so this will be a real treat to see it in its new, bigger location.

Have you seen how tall the corn we planted is? It’s growing on the lighted plant stand in the Garden Gift Room. I guess the corn is well on its way to this summer being “as high as an elephant’s eye” (I bet you know what song that phrase comes from.) “and it looks like it’s growing clear up to the sky!”

Quote of the Month

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry