As you live in this world you begin to know what makes for happy neighbors. For some its a natural part of life. For others, we have to work at being amongst the world. The older I get the more introverted my tendency. Luckily I have outgoing neighbors to draw me out. And over the […]
Native
Helianthus Annus
I believe this is what i have that the little yellow birds love, love, love. This native sunflower with large leaves and stiff, spiny stems grew to 40″ with multiple flowers. The photo taken in early August shows a bird at center. I definitely want more of these lovelies around for feeding. This is also […]
The plan for planting; figure out how many you have then plant!
Koeleria Macanthra
Koeleria Macanthra – June Grass (Sp,DM,A,N, Sun) 7″ Tall x 12″ Spread, light green spiky leaves. Purple-red spikes form on one side of the stem from late June to early August. When blooming, orange stamens and feathery stigmas form from the spikelets. seed for birds, used for flour by native americans Blooms: April to June […]
A pruning job I actually like
I’ve been known to butcher shrubs. It only makes sense knowing that in my family tree are at least two butchers! But I digress. What I would like to show you is a native chokecherry pruning job I’ve managed to keep tidy for many years. Keeping this shrub that can grow up to 25 […]
Sandy Soil Natives
This is my first foray into sandy / loose soils. Up until this year, most of my gardening has taken place in mature suburban yards. Places with some pretty ugly clay when you dig down. Thank goodness for the class I’m taking. I have learned about sand as a soil and how to work with […]
Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi
Kinnikinnick or Bearberry arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Sp,DM,D,N) 6″ – 1′ H Native Mountain Groundcover with Late spring flowers in white and Pink in mats created by rhizomes. Full Sun – Part Sun Requires Acidic Soils Light soils, Sand, Loam, Gravel Moisture: Dry Host Plant to butterflies Attracts hummingbirds Kinnikinnick is a pine forest staple. In the […]
Bouteloua Curtipendula
Bouteloua Curtipendula – Sideoats Grama (Su,DM,A,N) 12-36″ Tall x 12″ Spread, light green spiky leaves. Purple-red spikes form on one side of the stem from late June to early August. When blooming, orange stamens and feathery stigmas form from the spikelets. host plant for a number of butterflies and moths; seeds for birds Blooms: Mid […]
Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks
Though not a book with hefty covers, Xerces Societies’ downloadable pamphlet, Habitat Assessment Guide for Pollinators in Yards, Gardens, and Parks is a MUST have reference for the neighbor of habitat. It gives as much information as any on what to plant to be a part of the new garden phenomenon. The booklet also describes how […]
Allium Cernuum
Allium Cernuum (Nodding Onion) Native to Colorado Can be planted in damp clays 1 -2′ tall pink blooms Best planted in mass This full sun bulb of the onion family blooms in late summer, Jul to August. It is good for pollinators and deer resistant. The delicate blooms vary from white to pink. If […]