Frogs and Toads

Okay, so I have yet to see a frog in my yard, but I've seen at least two toads. On both occasions, I was startled and I even let out a yelp (and both were little cute toads). Across the street from my property is a woodsy lot where I can hear the nightly chorus of amphibians, so I know that these little animals are close to my home. But, at heart, I'm a city girl. I know I have toads in my yard, but it's a bit shocking to see it up close when one is actually in front of me (even little cute ones). Having toads in the garden is normal, but I just don't "see" them too often. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but I think I'm digressing . . .

I really do welcome toads (and frogs) in my garden because I believe that they are beneficial in minimizing the many insects and mosquitos that run rampant in my garden. As I stated before, I do not spray insecticide or pesticide on my property, nor do I "bomb" my property for mosquitoes. As I've mentioned elsewhere, the main reason I don't spray is because I'm trying to grow an edible landscape. I already consume enough insecticide and pesticide through the foods I purchase from the store, so why add to it. At the same time, my property borders a lake and I also don't want to further contribute to the insecticide/pesticide runoff that goes into the lake. I don't know if all of my neighbors spray their immaculate lawns, although I suspect that some do.

I'm debating if I should just let things be in my yard or actually try and attract more toads to my yard (e.g. put out little dishes of water, create a rock garden, etc.,). My brother mentioned to me the other morning that I have a lot of toads in my yard. I know that I have toads in my yard, but do I really have a lot of toads in my yard? My brother tends to be a bit melodramatic, so I've just been thinking. What to do . . .