American Toad in the garden

The intense heatwave and smoke filled skies are no newsflash. Seems the new normal…can’t get away from it wherever you go. A new season. Fire Season.

I worry so much about the animals. Wild animals are extraordinarily adaptive, but we are pushing them past the limits of their abilities to adapt and protect themselves. It pretty much breaks my heart in two.

Yesterday evening the smoke cleared a bit and I took the chance to pop out and water down the garden. I found this American Toad sheltering under a milkweed in one of the rock habitats I set up for the amphibians. I almost freakin cried. It was so sweet. I misted him down and filled all the little rock crevices with water. This morning he was still there on a different rock I and gave him another mist.

I also set shallow plates of water around the yard in shady spots for all the creatures. Hopefully it can help them get through this heat and smoke.

I have so much more to say…about climate grief and why I garden. But damn it’s hot! I’m planted in front of my oscillating fan and for now I just wanted to show you this American Toad living in my garden.

XO