This non-native plant, hydrilla, is killing our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. After a nearly 30-year hunt, researchers have shown that a neurotoxin generated by cyanobacteria on invasive plants is responsible for eagle and waterbird deaths from vacuolar myelinopathy. I for one can’t think of a better reason than this to utilize native plants.
Black chokeberry is a multi-stemmed, deciduous, eastern North American shrub. It reaches 4–8 feet in height. The plant’s habit is multi-stemmed, and plants can form large, dense colonies over time, making them ideal for attracting wildlife with both nourishment and habitat.
This Spring, don't plant annuals. Create an ecosystem and fight climate change. What you may wonder does my small backyard landscape have to do with climate change? The answer is a lot. Everything in the natural world is connected. An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things that work together. Ecosystems are often referred to as the chain of communication or interaction between the living organisms and their environment.
Recently a colleague of mine emailed me this image which immediately got me to thinking “what does it mean when we dream of gardening? How are those dreams interpreted?” I’ve had more than a few clients and friends relate to me that they occasionally dream about gardening and interacting with Mother Nature.
Through my association with this diverse group, a wealth of information and resources became available to me with which I could both implement and share with my clientele. One such event was the Healing the Earth That We Steward Seminar which I attended. This seminar offered refreshing perspectives and inspiring discussions of the healing landscape tools that empower us to find solutions as we look ahead to future seasons of stewardship.
Deciduous trees go through a period of inactivity, known as dormancy, during the winter months. Dormancy is brought about by decreasing day length (photoperiodism), cold initiating chemical actions that cause leaf drop, thereby making Autumn the perfect time to don a sweater, grab a cup of pumpkin-spice latte, spend some time outside and become mesmerized watching the swathes of green trees fade away–replaced by dazzling amber, maroon, gold and bronze hues.
Native Perennial Plant Blue Woods Aster “aster cordifolius“ is an excellent choice for any backyard wildlife garden or woodland shade garden. Splashes of blue abound this time of the year; in garden beds, in woodland settings, and in many community parks. They are vital native flower for honey bees, native bees and butterflies. Even during the summer when they aren’t blooming yet, they play host to the caterpillars of crescent and checkerspot butterflies (both endangered species).