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If we could garden without any interference from the pests which attack plants, then indeed gardening would be a simple matter. But all the time we must watch out for these foes little in size, but tremendous in the havoc they make.

As human illness may often be prevented by healthful conditions, so pests may be kept away by strict garden cleanliness. Heaps of waste make great breeding grounds for insects. I do not think a compost pile will do harm, but unkempt, uncared-for spots seem to invite trouble.

Keeping the soil aerated is helpful, and there’s a critter that can help with that — the lowly earthworm. They constantly stir up of the soil aiding in keeping it open to air and water. When I was in elementary school, I even had some pet earthworms. That was cool.

Birds can also be a garden’s friends. Many of our common birds feed upon insects. Sparrows, robins, chickadees, meadow larks and orioles are all examples of birds who help in this way.

There are also friendly insects that feed on other and harmful insects. Some kinds of ladybugs do this well, and they’re pretty, too. The ichneumon-fly helps, as well.

If you live in a humid area, some species of toad can be quite the heros with the number of insects they can consume in one meal. The toad deserves very kind treatment from all of us.

Gardeners should try to make their gardens attractive to birds and toads. A good birdhouse, grain sprinkled about in early spring, a water-place, are invitations for birds to stay a while in your garden.

If you wish toads, fix things up for them too. During a hot summer day a toad likes to rest in the shade. By night he is ready to go forth to eat. How can one “fix up” for toads? Well, one thing to do is to prepare a retreat, quiet, dark and damp. A few stones of some size underneath the shade of a shrub with perhaps a carpeting of damp leaves, would appear very fine to a toad.

Wearing yellow can help you feel uplifted and using it around your office can help you keep a clear your mind, as well as improve your memory and decision making skills.

It is said that yellow gemstones can promote the ability to express yourself. Therefore, they are excellent for writers and public speakers. They also stimulate movement and mental awareness, which can enhance decision making skills.

In the language of chakras, yellow deals with identity and is associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Pure, bright and sunny yellow is the easiest color to see. In fact, people who are blind to other colors often can see yellow.

Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Which is why yellow note pads are good for working out your thoughts and ideas.

Some suggest that adding yellow to your life, whether in clothing or decor, can help you when you need:

• Clarity to make decisions,

• Relief from feelings of “burnout”, panic, nervousness and exhaustion,

• A sharper memory or better concentration skills, and

• Protection from lethargy and depression brought on by dull weather.

I watched a rosebud very long
Brought on by dew and sun and shower,
Waiting to see the perfect flower:
Then, when I thought it should be strong,
It opened at the matin hour
And fell at evensong.

From “I watched a rosebud”
by Christina Rossetti