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There's been a big toad around our house for several years now. We only see him in the warmer months. The rest of the year I guess he hibernates somewhere below the frost line. I usually see him in the flower bed on the north side of the house, where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade. But after a rain, we have spotted him in various other places in the garden. On a cool, rainy day this week I spotted him in an unusual place that startled me a little.
As I passed by a flat of Cosmos seedlings on my porch, to enter the house, I noticed that one plant was dug up and lying with it's roots exposed. Upon closer inspection I was surprised to see Mr. Toad settled down into the nice cool potting soil. I think he was feeling invisible. He is camouflaged quite well, isn't he? As soon as the sun came out again, he was gone. I only wished I could have shown him to my 3 year old Granddaughter, who likes to read Frog and Toad stories.
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This post is for Annabelle.... with love from Nana. :-)
22 comments:
I had a frog do the same thing last year in some seed I had sown. It scared me when the frog popped up after I moved the container.
Hi Connie~~ I remember the Frog and Toad books! My kids loved them. And so did I for that matter. They bring back warm memories.
For us it's Pacific Tree Frogs. Just recently I dumped the remainder of a bag of potting soil. As I was reaching down to grab a handful, a frog! I too was startled at first then picked him up and put him in our pond where he seemed very happy. :)
What a neat picture. The toad really is well disguised!
I love your frog! I had one once, but he disappeared; perhaps he is still out in the garden, hidden within the soil and leaves.
What a handsome guy. Love those toads. We don't get them but we seem to share a couple of frogs with our neighbor.
Is Annabelle your granddaughter? That's my daughter's name - a little different spelling though - Annabel. Isn't it a beautiful name? The frog in with the cosmos would've scared the living daylights out of me. I'm afraid of frogs! :O(
There must have been some good bugs for Mr. Toad in those seedlings, too... maybe some slugs? We have toads here year round and I'm happy for them to eat all the slugs they can manage. But it is startling when digging around in the dirt and they get disturbed. Yesterday that happened to me with a snake (non-poisonous).
Just the other day a co-worker was telling me a pot of her plants was torn all up. Closer examination revealed Mr. Toad setting up house.
Your Mr. Toad is cleverly disguised.
Hello Connie. I was reminded of Robin's post about the toad as soon as I saw your picture, which is so similar to hers. He's a big fellow! I've read many a Frog and Toad story with the first graders at school :)
Your blooms are looking lovely. I haven't had much luck wintering over lavander in my garden, although it's hardy here in our zone 5. It needs excellent drainage and I haven't found the right spot for it yet. I've read that it's good to put a layer of gravel in the hole that you plant it in, but haven't yet tried that. This year I will!
I hope you're feeling much better by now after that bout of pleurisy.
Thanks for visiting and saying hello. Yes, it's wonderful to see the colors brightening the landscape and yard again!
I would scream if I came across a toad in a seed tray. then I would run to get the camera. great picture of mr. toad. perhaps he'll make another appearance for your grand-daughter.
irena
Cute frog! Kate and I are seeing alot of garter snakes this year-- and I try so hard to be brave for her sake! I don't want her to be scared. . . and I know they are good for the garden!! Speaking of gardens, what's happening in yours?! Not much going on in ours, but when the sun comes out, I anticipate LOTS! Looking forward to a garden tour your direction soon! Have a happy day!
We have read those too...I think I might have been more than a bit startled by your invader! We only have tiny green tree frog here, Kim
I have a toad that stays around the front of the house where I go in and out a hundred times a day. He is constantly jumping in front of me and startling me. I would hate to step on one for a number of reasons;)
I will check out that lavender. I have tried growing it for years with no luck. It always winter kills.
Marnie
Lovely Toad picture Connie - he looks very happy and settled in your cosmos!
K
awww, he's so cute! or am I the only one who thinks toads are cute? We have a few who stay around our garden and I always wonder where they hibernate for the winter too. It would be a good thing to study. I have been sick all day today because I backed over one that was on the driveway.
He's a clever toad! Watching everything around him as he stays camouflaged!! Yes, the Frog and Toad stories bring back memories :)
I'm glad you had the presence of mind to take the photo. It almost looks like he or she was posing for you. Awesome!
I hope you are feeling better.
Oh my gosh! I don't know if I would like finding something like that in my garden! Course, he's probably not as big as he appears... maybe. We don't have snakes here in Juneau, either, which is a really good thing.
He's so cute. I want a resident toad.
I love toads but by the time I get my camera, I can never seem to find them. A great shot, Connie, and Happy 4th!
What a wonderful photo! I wish I had a toad, or frog, in my garden. I can hear frogs (probably Pacific tree frogs) chirping in the distance, so there is hope for it one day.
I love how the toad blends in! Amazing capture!
~Aly
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