I've been "managing" garlic mustard since April and I am amazed at where I am finding it. It's showing up in places I've never seen it before and I am getting just a little discouraged. Now that the ground is getting dried out, it is more difficult to get past the s-shape of the root to dig them … [Read more...]
Violets and other Host Plants
The other day at a social gathering, I overhead someone complaining about all the violets in her lawn. How she "hated" them, and how they just "won't go away." I couldn't help but ask her if she was aware the violet was the host plant for fritillary butterflies. She looked at me … [Read more...]
Endangered Species Day
Thanks to Lorrie Otto and other crusaders against DDT, the EPA was formed in 1970 and we are now able to enjoy the flight of the American eagle. Since 1973, when Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) we are now able to also enjoy the beauty of some of America's most precious plants and … [Read more...]
Arbor Day
Started in Spain in 1954, Arbor Day has since globalized to the rest of the world. In America Nebraska was the first state to celebrate this holiday in 1872. Since the 1920s every state in America celebrates a form of Arbor Day. The national day of celebration is the last Friday in April. This … [Read more...]
Landscaping under Pines
In the past couple of weeks, I've had several requests for suggestions about what to plant under pine trees, so I thought I would share my thoughts with you. Here in Wisconsin native evergreens grow pretty well in a variety of soils, but preferably on the acidic side with a lower pH … [Read more...]
Highly Invasive Spring Scilla
Last week during the Larry Meiller Garden Talk (Wisconsin Public Radio) program, a woman called in to ask what she could do to get rid of Scilla aka Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica). This invasive non-native plant was taking over her lawn and was now moving into her woods. My ears perked up … [Read more...]