Native to much of Canada and the northern half of the United States, the beloved pussy willow (Salixdiscolor) heralds spring by bursting its bud scales, revealing catkins clothed in silk. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Pussy Willow"
Pines rank above every other conifer in their value as a food plant for birds and other wildlife. Winter, when their green limbs are often frosted with snow, is the one of best times of year to admire both their value and their beauty. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Pines"
This has been a topic of discussion and disagreement for some time. There is finally some research that sheds light on the subject. The answer is: yes, no, maybe, sometimes, and it depends. Continue reading "A Mystery Explored: Buckthorn, Birds, and Diarrhea"
Sitting on a folding chair in a bracken fern meadow, I’ve just watched my daughter plan and plant our section of a “green and natural cemetery.” Continue reading "Evergreen On Being Part of the Land"
Natural Areas Maintenance from the JFNew Nursery Newsletter, 2009 As the year winds down, fall is a great time to prepare new areas for a dormant or “frost” seeding. Many people associate fall plantings with just cool-season grasses, but many wildflower species do well if planted in the fall. The ideal planting time is from […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (Nov 2009)"
Hawthorns (Crataegus genus) are small, craggy trees with angular branching reminiscent of bur oaks, but on a small scale. The stout often-branched thorns they sport, which range from one to three inches in length, add to their rugged looks. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Hawthorns"
There are three species of native dogwood trees found in the United States and southern Canada, all of which have outstanding value for landscaping, as well as for birds and wildlife. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Dogwood Trees"
Dear Deer: Please Go Away. Eat Somewhere Else Another Day. If you’re having problems with deer eating your plants, here are some ideas that might help. Deer Repellent Idea #1 From Rochelle Whiteman of the Milwaukee North (WI) Chapter. I have found this method to deal with deer in my garden: Wearing rubber gloves, try […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (Sept 2009)"
Common Milkweed: insulating and edible The common milkweed, (Asclepias syriaca), is one of the best-known wild plants in North America. Children love to play with the downy fluff in autumn, and during World War II schoolchildren collected milkweed floss to fill life preservers for the armed forces. It’s used today to stuff jackets, comforters, and […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (July 2009)"
Silphiums are classic prairie plants, once blossoming across almost two-thirds of the American continent. Robust and showy, the different species of silphium can be best distinguished by their leaves. Continue reading "Beyond the Bird Feeder: Silphiums"