Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

Why Do Leaves Change Colors?

I love the fall season. I love to watch the change in color of the warm-season native plants -- forbs, grasses, trees, and shrubs. I've always known the change in color had something to do with the chlorophyll in the plants, but I thought it was about time I learned what happens to create the … [Read more...]

The Nature of Oaks

Which keystone native plant supports 511 species of moths and butterflies that help feed birds and mammals? Oak trees. How many acorns might a blue jay gather and bury each fall? 4,500. What is masting? A periodic event (commonly every two to five years) when oak trees produce a much larger … [Read more...]

WOFVAC 2023 Native Plant, Tree and Shrub Sale

Hi, All! — I'm finished with the knee replacements, and I anticipate going up north during June for the blooming of the pink lady’s slippers (Cypripedium acaule). I'm really looking forward to it because I wasn't able to go there last year. During the next few months, I will check in occasionally, … [Read more...]

OVER-THE-COUNTER NATIVE PLANT SALE MAY 21

Hi, all -- It is the third week and I am doing fine. They had to remove the partial knee and replace with the total knee. So it is taking longer. WOFVA's 22nd Native Plant, Tree and Shrub Sale As we promised, we invite you to join us for the over-the-counter native plants sale. The Wild Ones Fox … [Read more...]

American Witchhazel

One of the last flowering shrubs of the year, American witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a hiker's delight when spotted late in the fall. Native to both the northeastern and southeastern parts of the U.S., their fragrant bright yellow blossoms appear late in the autumn after all the leaves have … [Read more...]

Cogs and Wheels & the Nature of Oaks

I attended the tour of Wild Ones Fox Valley Chapter member Jim LaLuzerne's yard. He concluded by making this observation. Have You Lost Your Cogs and Wheels? “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”  –  Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac. But when all the … [Read more...]