Rethink The Garden Icons is a series that aims to teach people about North American native plants and how we can overcome decades of antiquated traditional landscaping practices to pave the way towards habitat restoration and decolonized ecosystems that can start in our own yards.
Discover the surprising history of the peony, from war and empire to its role in modern gardens. Explore native plant alternatives that support biodiversity, pollinators, and place-based beauty. Continue reading "What the Peony Tells Us About War and Biodiversity"
What if we stopped planting imported ornamentals by default? This blog unpacks the colonial roots of garden icons like the hyacinth—and offers powerful native alternatives that restore spring ephemerals, honor Indigenous knowledge, and reconnect our yards to North American ecosystems. Continue reading "The Tragedy of the Hyacinth"
Discover the untold story behind the rise of the poinsettia as America’s "holiday flower" and explore native plant alternatives that offer beauty, sustainability, and ecological benefits. From vibrant Tillandsia to the hardy witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), this blog highlights seasonal choices that support wildlife and reduce waste. Continue reading "Is There Still a Point to the Poinsettia?"
Victorian England was a hub of eccentric fads, including the obsession with flowers and floriography—the language of flowers. Among the favorites was the chrysanthemum, a symbol of love and passion. While chrysanthemums are now synonymous with American fall décor, they often overshadow native fall blooms. It's time to reconsider our plant choices and embrace native species like Symphyotrichum novae-angliae and Heliopsis helianthoides. Discover how restoring native plants can redefine autumn aesthetics and support local ecosystems in this fascinating exploration of fall blooms. Continue reading "Mum Madness"
Discover the journey of replacing the ubiquitous hosta with native alternatives that offer greater ecological value. Learn how North American plants like the shooting star and skunk cabbage can enhance your garden while supporting local biodiversity. Continue reading "Treating the Hosta as Hostile"