Native Columbine can grow in full sun as well as almost full shade -whenever it doggone well pleases. https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Aquilegia-canadensis This can be frustrating, so I've learned to let go of my expectations. Now I spread seeds from the...
I think my Midwestern soul is turning Yankee. I used to love a good two-for-one project. But now I’m getting greedy with my desire for frugal use of time and resources. I want a three-for-one or a four-for-one project; I call this a ‘four-fer’, four benefits from one...
Mint plants can be a great sustainability plant when sited strategically in your home landscape.
🌱 Former client (who now has a fabulous, native, backyard garden) sent an email last week: "We lost two Arborvitae in the front yard along the driveway. How do I fix this?" CONDITIONS: Full sun, sharply-drained soil with deer browsing pressure. Garden center would...
Exciting! It’s finally time to put raised, food garden beds in the backyard of the Healthy Home Habitats Demonstration Gardens. These have been a long time coming. It took several years to accurately decide the best sun location, what type and style of raised bed, and...
I’m still waiting for the songbirds this spring. Maybe you have noticed fewer songbirds in your neighborhood too? Did you know that there are two, simple changes you can make to your home landscaping that will help? Just these two, new choices will increase the number...
The morning air is cooler now. You know it’s getting to be late summer, and we’re beginning to think about, don’t say it, Fall. You’ve mowed the lawn, picked vegetables, and cut flowers to bring inside all season, or not. Now is a great time to think about what went...
Good news! As our spring bulbs begin to awaken, we have new choices for a healthier, more lovely and lively garden this year. We are learning that our gardens, plants and pollinators need exactly what we thought we were supposed to “clean” every year. Surprisingly,...
Good news! As our spring bulbs begin to awaken, we have new choices for a healthier, more lovely and lively garden this year. We are learning that our gardens, plants, and pollinators need exactly what we thought we were supposed to “clean” every year. Surprisingly,...
Less Lawn - More Habitat: Take 2 We're in my 'Alternative Backyard Demonstration Area'. The backyard is framed by native plantings but still had a lawn in its center. For two years I have mown only an outside edge and a spiral through the grass leaving a...