The Grapevine was a column in the Wild Ones Journal written by Maryann Whitman between 2002 and 2015.
Maryann refers to her bachelor of arts degree and her graduate work in psychology as her misspent youth. When she came to her senses, she went back to read biology, botany, chemistry, physics, and ecology and has not yet stopped. She discovered Wild Ones in 1995 and was the founding president of the Oakland Chapter (MI) of Wild Ones in 1999.
Some backyard visits in Columbus, Ohio During the recent Wild Ones annual meeting and conference in Columbus, Ohio, Wild Ones Vice-President Mariette Nowak visited with several members of the Columbus Chapter who have designed and planted their yards specifically to attract birds and wildlife. Marty and Craig Preston, charter members of the chapter, have little […] Continue reading "The Grapevine (Sept 2002)"
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)"
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)"
