When most people think about gardening, they picture flowers, vegetables, fruit trees, and perhaps the occasional weed that somehow escaped notice.
But one of the greatest joys of gardening is discovering that your garden attracts visitors.
Over the years, I've realized that my garden is never really empty. While I may be busy planting, pruning, or harvesting, there is an entire community of creatures quietly going about their business among the leaves and branches.
Some visitors arrive for food. Others come looking for shelter. A few seem to stop by simply out of curiosity.
One of my most memorable visitors was a pair of owls tucked away among the coconut palm fronds. Their feathers blended so perfectly with the surrounding foliage that I almost walked past without noticing them. There they sat, watching the world from their hidden perch, as though they had chosen the garden as their own private retreat.
Then there's Mr. Squirrel.
Every garden seems to have one character who believes the entire place belongs to him, and in my garden, that's Mr. Squirrel. Whether he's investigating fruit trees, racing along branches, or keeping a cautious eye on my dogs, he always manages to provide a little entertainment.
The garden lizards are much quieter residents. They spend their days patrolling the plants, hunting insects, and helping to keep pest populations under control. They ask for nothing in return and work far more diligently than many paid employees. (They run waaay too fast for me to capture a photo!)
And then there are the iguanas. They absolutely love feeding on my bodi!
One day, while checking on my orchids, I discovered a large green iguana sitting comfortably in the orchid shed. Judging by his relaxed posture, he appeared convinced that he was the rightful owner and I was merely visiting. Fortunately, he was content to pose for a photograph before continuing his inspection of the premises.
Of course, these aren't the only visitors. Butterflies drift through when flowers are blooming. Bees arrive to collect nectar. Birds stop by to investigate fruit and seeds. Even the occasional dragonfly adds a flash of colour and movement to the garden.
Bumble bees busy at work on my citrus blossoms
Their presence reminds me that a garden is much more than a collection of plants. It is a living habitat. Every flowering plant, fruit tree, and shady corner helps support a web of life that extends far beyond the gardener.
When I first started gardening, I thought the harvest would be the greatest reward.
These days, I know better.
The vegetables, fruit, and flowers are wonderful, but the unexpected visitors may be the real treasures. They remind me that the garden is healthy, alive, and connected to the natural world around it.
And that's enough to make me do a happy garden dance.
What are the regular visitors in your garden? Do you have squirrels, birds, butterflies, lizards, or perhaps an unexpected guest or two? Share your garden visitors in the comments—I would love to hear your stories.
Grey hair, green thumb and garden savvy
thegreyhairedgardener.blogspot.com
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