Into the Wild – Musings on our Yard’s Transformation | August 2025

August started on a high note. On the 1st, our Certified Wildlife Friendly Habitat plaque arrived in the mail. Holding it felt like a quiet celebration of all the small steps we’ve taken and the ongoing efforts in our yard. It’s a tangible reminder that even small actions – planting, observing, and creating habitat make a difference for wildlife.

This month, the yard slowed down. It was less about planting and more about observing, reflecting, and planning for next year. I spent time figuring out what thrived, what struggled, and what we want to try in the front flower beds, unused spaces, and our vegetable garden. I also started making lists of seeds and plugs to get started this autumn so we are ready for a strong start next spring. 

POND

• Despite heavy rain earlier in the summer, the heat and wind have been drying the pond, which is part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a wildlife-friendly habitat. I topped it off regularly and added a few larger creekstone rocks to shore up edges, create more habitat structure, and provide safer bathing spots for birds.
• I noticed some unidentified volunteer plants popping up in the pond – a little surprise that makes me curious to see which ones might become part of next year’s plantings.

GARDEN

• Planning for next year has begun – evaluating what worked, what struggled, and imagining our vegetable garden layout. It’s a mix of reflection and forward-looking experimentation.

PLANTS

• The Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) that I winter-sowed this past winter finally bloomed! It’s lovely to see one of the first seeds come to fruition. The bright yellow flowers have already been attracting bees, a small but joyful reward for patience.
• Earlier in the year, I planted some trees and noticed a smaller tree growing alongside one of them. It appears to be an elderberry, which is exciting to see it thriving naturally
• Unfortunately, some losses – the cedar trees died, and it looks like our Saskatoon trees and a few birch are struggling. It’s a reminder that even with careful planning, nature has its own pace and surprises.
• I collected seeds for the first time ever – from the fireweed. Excited to try and autumn-sow these for more plants next year.

August reminded me that rewilding is as much about observation and reflection as it is about digging, planting, or watering. It’s about listening to the land, learning from setbacks, and making intentional choices for the future. Each month, the yard teaches me patience, adaptability, and the joy of coexisting with nature.

September was quiet in the yard, so I’ll be pausing any “Into the Wild – Musings on our Yard’s Transformation” until next spring, when there’s more to observe and share.

🌿 Want to follow the transformation from the beginning of the year? Start here with April’s recap and continue with May, June and July updates to see what’s changed.

If this post sparked an idea, made you pause, or nudged you to notice the life in your own space, share it. Every share spreads the invitation: to garden with purpose, to rewild a yard, to create a place wildlife trusts – and helps this little patch of land inspire more backyard birders, native plant gardeners, and nature-lovers.

Thanks for reading! Until next time,
Tracey

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If you enjoy what I share and want to support my journey to rewild and document this little patch of land, you can do so through my Ko-fi page. Your support helps me continue photographing, nurturing, and sharing this space with you.

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