Plant of the Month: Canadian Wild Ginger
Canadian Ginger is a colony-forming perennial that grows only 4-8 in. high. Each plant bears a pair of large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves. Continue reading "Plant of the Month: Canadian Wild Ginger"
Two New Butterfly Studies Released
The studies, reported by the World Wildlife Fund and the Xerces Society, report both encouraging and discouraging news on butterfly populations. Eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubles in 2025 The World Wildlife Fund reports on the eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubled in 2025, according to a new report announced in Mexico. Study Finds That US […] Continue reading "Two New Butterfly Studies Released"
Good News on Buckthorn Control
New University of Minnesota research suggests that seeding native plants alongside invasive removal efforts may turn the tide in the battle against buckthorn. Recently published in Ecological Engineering, researchers show that heavily seeding native grasses, like Virginia wildrye, alongside buckthorn removal efforts greatly reduces the number and size of new buckthorn trying to reclaim the site. […] Continue reading "Good News on Buckthorn Control"
Monarch Butterfly Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation’s most beloved species — the monarch butterfly — and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific protections. Public comments will be […] Continue reading "Monarch Butterfly Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection"
Goldenrod – An Important Keystone plant
Goldenrod belongs to the genus Solidago and encompasses over 100 species native to North America. Goldenrods host 104 species of caterpillars and 42 pollen-specialist bee species. The caterpillars are also important protein sources for many birds, especially for their young. Goldenrod’s nectar-rich flowers are a favorite among pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps and other beneficial […] Continue reading "Goldenrod – An Important Keystone plant"
Plant of the Month: Meadow Blazing Star
If you’re a fan of monarch butterflies, meadow blazing star would be a great addition to your garden. Continue reading "Plant of the Month: Meadow Blazing Star"
In Defense of Wasps
Yellowjackets often come to mind whenever a person hears the word wasp; evoking images of ruined picnics and carcasses floating in drinks. In a recent study comparing peoples attitudes toward wasps and bees, the top five wasp descriptors were: sting, annoying, pain, nest and dangerous. See: “Why we love bees and hate wasps” However, the social […] Continue reading "In Defense of Wasps"
Sustainable Landscaping
We all know that planting native plants, reducing chemical use and replacing turfgrass are the best ways to help protect and restore biodiversity and nurture wildlife on our properties. Here are a few more steps you can take in your yard to help the natural world. Your yard can make a difference! Reduce landscape lighting as […] Continue reading "Sustainable Landscaping"
Need Design Inspiration? Visit Some Local Gardens!
Summer is a great time of year to visit local native/pollinator gardens to see a wide variety of sustainable landscape designs. In the Milwaukee area, there are plenty of gardens for inspiration. Some of the spaces are all native plantings; while others incorporate natives into more traditional landscapes. Here are a few spaces that we […] Continue reading "Need Design Inspiration? Visit Some Local Gardens!"
No Mow May – Does it really help pollinators?
It’s that time of year when the “No Mow May” yard signs start springing up like daffodils. But before you put away your mower for a month, take a look at the at recent scientific studies. Most have found that the benefits to pollinators are negligible. In fact, for most lawns it is more harmful […] Continue reading "No Mow May – Does it really help pollinators?"