The Prairie Pots Project
While you may not be able to grow a complete prairie on your deck, it is possible to grow prairie plants in a very small space. Continue reading "The Prairie Pots Project"
Learning from Seeds: Winter Sowing, Seed Starting, and Youth Discovery
Long before winter sowing became a trending gardening topic online, Wild Ones members were already experimenting with seeds, soil, and seasonal cycles. In the Winter 1993 issue of The Outside Story, contributors shared practical guidance on seed stratification, cold-weather sowing, and hands-on ways to help young people understand how plants grow and move through the world. Continue reading "Learning from Seeds: Winter Sowing, Seed Starting, and Youth Discovery"
Manoomin: Wild Rice, Tribal sovereignty and the rights of nature in northern Minnesota
This article examines Manoomin v. Minnesota DNR, the first U.S. court case brought by a plant, exploring wild rice, Tribal sovereignty, and the rights of nature through the cultural and legal lens of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. Continue reading "Manoomin: Wild Rice, Tribal sovereignty and the rights of nature in northern Minnesota "
Burning with a Native Passion
“Fire, good!” That’s what the caveman said in a television advertisement for a local home fireplace installation company many years ago, but I’m sure humans had that same thought a couple millennia earlier. I love to sit by a nice warm fire on a cold winter night. I also have a passion for natives, so I decided to combine these two things in my coursework […] Continue reading "Burning with a Native Passion"
Witch hazel: A medicine for a**holes
Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is best known as a late-season native shrub with delicate fall flowers. But it also has a long history as a medicinal plant. This essay explores the chemistry, ecology, and traditional uses of witch hazel, and how foraging can deepen our relationship with native plants and the habitats they support. Continue reading "Witch hazel: A medicine for a**holes"
Autumn’s Natural Skeletons and Witches
Is there a skeleton in your garden? If your garden is a rain garden, two plants will make you think “skeletons” – mad dog skullcap and boneset. A member of the mint family, mad dog skull cap (Scutellaria lateriflora) blooms in mid to late summer. Early settlers believed that this plant cured rabies, hence the […] Continue reading "Autumn’s Natural Skeletons and Witches"
Creating Habitat for Snakes
A great habitat will support all kinds of animals, even some that may not be included on your personal “desired animal” list. Many people aren’t concerned if they see an owl, rabbit, fox or turtle in their yard. But a snake is another story. Continue reading "Creating Habitat for Snakes"
I’m “Elderly”? So What!
When I read the news, one word leaps off the page: “elderly.” Articles matter-of-factly describe as “elderly” people who are MY age — sometimes even younger! Me, elderly? Hmmm. Aches and pains that weren’t there a decade ago? Check. More than a few strands of gray hair? Check. Learning new skills a bit more slowly? […] Continue reading "I’m “Elderly”? So What!"
Leave the leaves!
Besides providing the right plants, and protecting your garden from pesticides, one of the next most valuable things you can do to support pollinators and other invertebrates is to provide them with the winter cover they need in the form of fall leaves and standing dead plant material. Frequently however, this is the hardest pill […] Continue reading "Leave the leaves!"
Demonstration garden beautifies area, teaches others about native plants
Residents of the North Capitol Hill neighborhood in Denver have noticed a lot of activity at the Denver Turnverein. Founded in 1865, the Denver Turnverein is a member-supported nonprofit focused on the educational, social and physical benefits of dancing. Under normal circumstances, the building would be filled nightly with music and dancers. In the age […] Continue reading "Demonstration garden beautifies area, teaches others about native plants"