Something to think about: Benefits of a messy yard
Winter is months away, but since we may not be able to afford a November/December issue of the Journal, this seems like a good time to mention some fall caretaking strategies for our native plantings. Here are some things to think about:
Remember that what you have planted is a habitat garden. That habitat may be occupied by lots of pretty butterflies, as you intended, but don’t forget all the other insects that are probably “invisible.” This would include the pollinating bees that like hollow stems for overwintering, the beneficial ladybug beetles and the lacewings who overwinter in crowns of native grasses and just plain garden duff, and the moths and butterflies who spend the winter in the pupa or chrysalis stage or the adult stage somewhere on the ground under leaves.
An article by researchers Tooker and Hanks, in the September, 2004, issue of Biodiversity and Conservation, reported that compass plant and prairie dock (Silphium laciniatum and S. terebinthinaceum) harbor the greatest numbers of insects in their detritus.