Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

Winter Soltice 2018

Today is the first day of winter which means Christmas day will soon be here. Hopefully you'll be celebrating the Christmas holiday with family and friends, sharing delicious food and awesome presents. Here in Wisconsin this winter will definitely be bringing us a "white Christmas." A reminder to be … [Read more...]

Non-Native Plants reduce Food availability for Birds

Doug Tallamy, Desiree Narango and Peter Marra* have provided more definitive data about the importance of native trees and shrubs for the livelihood of insect-eating birds. In this case, their research focused primarily on the Caroline Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis). In their report Nonnative … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving Day 2018

Tomorrow is "Thanksgiving Day." A holiday set aside to give thanks for the harvest and for the blessings we have, starting with the Pilgrims in 1621. Even though the future of our harvests seems a little uncertain these days because of the undoing of legislation our federal government is undertaking … [Read more...]

First Snowfall of 2018-19

Although it's not the winter season yet, we had our first snowfall here in Northeast Wisconsin. I love how fresh and new a good snowfall always makes everything look. But now I wonder if I'm ever going to get the rest of the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) leaves spread out over our yard. I've found … [Read more...]

23rd Toward Harmony with Nature Conference

Wild Ones Fox Valley Area Chapter is celebrating its 23rd Toward Harmony with Nature all-day conference on natural landscapes, native plants, biodiversity and wildlife this January 19, 2019. The Value of Ecological Restoration will focus on ecological awareness, and provide insight in helping us … [Read more...]

Tamarack also known as American Larch

I have many favorite plants, but one of my favorite pine trees is the Tamarack, also known as the American Larch (Larix laricina). It's such a unique tree. It looks like a coniferous tree, but it goes dormant every year and loses its needles -- but not before turning the most beautiful shade of … [Read more...]