This article will outline the process I took to establish a native garden in a narrow bed behind my garage, including clearing and preparing the site (which was covered in invasive plants), choosing a general design and selecting plants, and finally doing the planting and maintaining the garden through the first year and now its […]
Invasive Species
Sedum Ternatum (Woodland Stonecrop), a Great Native, Evergreen Groundcover
Recently I took a walk through my winter garden looking for green. Most of what I saw were invasive groundcovers that are ubiquitous in my area (English ivy, vinca) and other aggressive introduced annuals like purple deadnettle. It’s a good time of the year to get ahead on some weeding without thinking too hard because […]
Native Shrubs for a Privacy Screen or Hedge
Homeowners often wish for a privacy hedge or screen for a variety of reasons: protecting an outdoor space from the gaze of neighbors, defining property boundaries, serving as a windbreak, hiding an unwanted view, or even deterring trespassers. Privacy hedges not only fulfill practical needs but also add aesthetic appeal to the landscape and provide […]
On the Trail: Spring Ephemerals vs. Lesser Celandine
Recently I’d been a bit disheartened hiking in some natural wooded areas near my house and seeing invasive bush honeysuckle and lesser celandine taking over and suppressing everything else including the spring ephemerals I love to see at this time of year. One Dayton-area Metropark I enjoy visiting is Wegerzyn Gardens just to the north […]
Does My Garden Need to Be All Native? (to Help Wildlife and the Planet)
In order to help pollinators, birds, and other elements of your local ecosystem, native plants are vitally important. So should your own yard be made up entirely of natives? We’re major advocates for native plants, so naturally our answer is …. no! Wait, what? A little explanation is in order here. Don’t get us wrong, […]