Some folks think of frogs as slimy, icky, wart carriers. Well, I hope to change your opinion of these wonderful creature. You still might not want to touch one, but you will welcome them into your gardens.
First a little about them.
Frogs and Toads are two different species. They both are 4 legged, tail-less amphibians. Frogs have smooth soft skin. While Toads are rough, warty and dry.
Most get around by hopping or leaping. However, tree frogs are walkers and climbers. Some toads both walk and hop. All are usually found in, or near, damp or wet places.
There are over 24 different True frogs, in North America. There are 560 species world wide. All are carnivores. Feeding on insects, spiders and crustaceans.
The type of frog you hear on a Summer's evening are more than likely chorus frogs. There are approximately 13 different types of chorus frogs. At mating season, their songs can be deafening. Or, you could be hearing certain tree frogs. In my neck of the woods, we hear, they tree frogs, peepers.
Frogs' coloring varies from very light green to a green so dark they look black. There are some tree frogs that are white and gray. This helps camouflage them in birches.
Toads' coloring ranges from dirty white, to orange freckled, to green and black. They are usually fatter than frogs, and are more often seen in garden areas.
OK, now you know a little about our jumpy little friends. Why should you appreciate them? Bugs! They eat hundreds of them. Bugs that are the bane of your flowers' existence, are a special treat for frogs and toads. They are loved and revered by organic farmers and growers. My self included.
In face, I provide them with homes. Yup, I set up housekeeping for the slippery little guys. I give them shelter, and they save my gardens from ruins. You can buy commercially made toad abodes, but they can be expensive. Here's what I do;
Take a terra cotta pot. Carefully break off a chunk of clay, from the lip of the pot. One large enough for the frogs or toads to fit into, when the pot is upside down. Frogs and toads love a dark, damp, and cool habitat. Make sure to keep a dish, or the pot's tray, close bye with water. Mother nature will supply the bugs.
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