Dandelion: Friend or foe? It seems that the lowly and much maligned, alien dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) does benefit the soil in which it grows. It prefers to root in decalcified, poor soil. Its strong taproot then breaks into the soil and, from below the hard pan, brings up calcium and other minerals, which become available […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (July 2002)"
Something has become glaringly apparent to me over the last 10 years or so, ever since my concerns about invasive weeds firmly took hold: greater education about the fragile and amazing that surrounds and sustains us could not be more needed. Continue reading "We Cannot Ignore Invasives"
Michigan wildflower conference The 15th Annual Wildflower Association of Michigan (WAM) Conference took place as usual on the Michigan State University campus, the first Sunday and Monday in March. For two days, some 450 registrants from all over the state milled about trying to choose prudently from a line-up of 24 speakers, who addressed every […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (May 2002)"
Children’s Wet Meadow Jeannine Palms is an active member of the Ann Arbor (MI) Chapter of Wild Ones. Her front yard and utility strip between the sidewalk and the street are planted with a wondrous variety of native plants – from ferns and spring ephemerals to black-eyed Susans and prairie dock. On her back deck […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (March 2002)"
A personal reflection on discovering the overlooked beauty of moths, this article by Janice Stiefel explores the diversity, ecological importance, and quiet wonder of these night-flying insects. Readers are encouraged to notice what often goes unseen in their own backyards. Continue reading "Beauties of the Evening: The Mysterious, Misunderstood Moths"
What do you say to a neighbor who sees your native garden as 'weeds'? Be sorry, but not for your plants. Be sorry for those who can't see the beauty in restoring our land, the songbirds, butterflies, and the delicate balance of nature. Continue reading "What Do I Tell My Neighbor? A Lesson from Lorrie Otto"
With a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a limited-edition Wild Ones T-shirt as our way of saying thank you!