Native Plants Archives - Page 8 of 17

Eastern Redbud – Cercis canadensis

Growing throughout the eastern United States and being of a somewhat modest size, Eastern redbuds perform well as understory trees (a shrub or tree that is small enough and sufficiently shade tolerant to thrive under the canopies of other, taller trees) and are stunning when planted in groups. The horizontal branching pattern adds architectural interest to the garden and makes an attractive canopy for spring bulbs. An excellent choice if you wish to attract pollinators to your gardens. Redbuds are recognized by ecologists as atttracing large numbers of native bees and also provides nesting material and areas for them.

By M Kolenut|2020-07-25T18:10:56-04:00July 25th, 2020|Landscaping, Native Plants, Sustainable Landscaping|

Companion Perennial Planting

As with any form of companion planting, doing so with native plants focuses on the idea of beneficial diversity in a sustainable garden. There are numerous benefits native plant companions can provide:Preventing diseases through diversity is of immense benefit. In a monoculture, where many of the same type of plants are planted together, pests can easily spread from one plant to the next. Mixing with companion plants can interrupt this cycle of spread.

By M Kolenut|2020-07-14T12:44:49-04:00July 14th, 2020|Gardening, Landscaping, Native Plants, Organics, Sustainable Landscaping|

Corridors of Habitat

While driving on the New Jersey Turnpike in early May I espied a beautiful and wondrous sight. An expansive and long "Corridor of Habitat". A wildlife corridor is a link of wildlife habitat, generally native vegetation, which joins two or more larger areas of similar wildlife habitat. Corridors are critical for the maintenance of ecological processes including allowing for the movement of animals and the continuation of viable populations.

By M Kolenut|2022-08-17T13:03:36-04:00July 6th, 2020|Landscaping, Native Plants, Organics, Sustainable Landscaping|

Raised Garden Beds

Recently we obtained a new client whom had just purchased a beautiful home in Bergen County, N.J. The residence itself was immaculate, however the outside property area was somewhat neglected with regards to the lawn and bed areas. As it was the start of the gardening season, their number one priority was establishing a garden area with raised beds as they wished to grow their own vegetables and herbs and practice sustainable landscaping utilizing organic principles.

By M Kolenut|2020-06-23T15:19:46-04:00June 23rd, 2020|Gardening, Landscaping, Native Plants, Organics, Sustainable Landscaping|

Garden and Plant Pest Control

When implementing and practicing organic gardening, no fertilizers and pest control products are utilized that contain anything that would be considered not of a natural origin..

By M Kolenut|2020-06-06T12:07:37-04:00June 6th, 2020|Gardening, Landscaping, Maintenance, Native Plants, Organics, Sustainable Landscaping|

Celebrate Earth Day 2020

There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfelt knowledge that we are caretakers of this planet. One such way is by practicing sustainable landscaping principles and practices, such as planting native trees and plants.

By M Kolenut|2020-04-21T17:19:04-04:00April 21st, 2020|Gardening, Landscaping, Native Plants, Organics, Sustainable Landscaping|

Conservation Biological Control

The balance of nature depends on the activities of parasites and predators, the majority of which are insects. Many insects, including caterpillar hunter beetles, pirate bugs, and praying mantises, keep populations of herbivorous insects in check. Equally important are parasitic insects, a prime example being braconid wasps. Conservation Biological Control eliminates the use of pesticides and chemicals by promoting the population of these beneficial insects.

By M Kolenut|2020-03-22T17:33:26-04:00March 22nd, 2020|Gardening, Landscaping, Native Plants, Organics, Sustainable Landscaping|