Vista Farm is a 30-acre small-wildlife habitat in Madisonville, Louisiana, where native plants and animals thrive in a flatwood (pine savanna) biome and we photograph their seasonal appearances. The soil is moist, acidic clay with sunlight and shade and the land is entirely flat and poorly drained. At home in your flowerbed and lawn weeds and grasses may be pests, but in our pond, meadow, forest and wetland habitats they are welcome. The biodiversity is amazing! Don’t Kill My Weeds helps gardeners and nature lovers identify native species through a gallery of plants and animals with articles on caring for a habitat where small wildlife are protected.
A Report on Weather Conditions & Species Sightings
November 7, 2024 -- Beautiful warm weather the last week or so with one good soaking rain overnight last week. The sunflowers have gone to seed waiting for the influx of Goldfinches that migrate in during mid-fall. This very pretty Speckled Kingsnake was crossing the road to the pond. It slithered into the weeds and was easily spotted when it began shaking its tail making an audible rattle.
Counting Caterpillars
We have a special affinity for large, beautiful swallowtails and want to see their population thrive. When we acquired Vista Farm in 2005 there were six acres of open, flatwood meadows with grasses and wildflowers that serve as hosts to many moths and butterflies. In the middle of July the meadows are thick with Water […]
Grass Is Everywhere
As I ride around in my new Honda Pioneer, looking for critters and new blossoms, tall grass in myriad varieties is everywhere at Vista Farm. I couldn’t even begin to name all the different grasses–some short, some tall and some in the middle. And grass is literally everywhere–even in the pond where little fishies hide […]
Native Hollies In Your Garden Or On The Farm
Three native hollies are grown at Vista Farm: Dahoon, Yaupon and Inkberry, but they will also work in your garden with proper care.