Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

Dame’s Rocket

One of my new neighbors (from Texas) told me that they had seen white and pink flowers on the ditches and woodland fences. Could it be phlox (Phlox pilosa)? It could have been, but it's not. These plants are actually dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis), a non-native, very invasive member of the … [Read more...]

Bee Basics

Bee Basics: An Introduction to Our Native Bees By Beatriz Moisset, Ph.D. and Stephen Buchmann, Ph.D and llustrations by Steve Buchanan. A USDA Forest Service and Pollinator Partnership Publication. Download for free. Introduction Native bees are a hidden treasure. From alpine meadows in the … [Read more...]

Ephemerals

There is much more to see. The immature Cooper's hawk is flying around to check out bird feeders because they do go after small birds. The pollinators have just a smidgen of hope to see wildflowers. Here in Northeast Wisconsin I have seen: (Click a single photo – then click the photo again … [Read more...]

WOFVA Chapter Plant Sale Orders Due March 31, 2021

Are you starting to get excited about spring and getting out in your yard? Digging in the dirt? Planting new plants, trees, and shrubs? Are you asking yourself what you can do for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators? Then you should know about the Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter’s annual … [Read more...]

Developing a Naturally Landscaped Yard

When I started to plan my prairie in 1986, I didn’t know what I was doing. In fact, I’m not even certain I understood what was a native plant. I learned about the benefit/necessity of surveying my property from Don Vorpahl. Don was one of the first native-landscape designers in Wisconsin and an … [Read more...]