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Wildlife Habitat

Alternative and Native Lawns for the Prairie States: A Guide to Drought-Tolerant, Low-Maintenance Landscapes

by Donna March 3, 2022

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Alternative and Native Lawns for the Prairie States

Introduction

If you live in the prairie states, you know that growing a traditional lawn can be a challenge. The climate is often hot and dry, with extreme temperature fluctuations. This can make it difficult for turf grass to thrive.

That’s where alternative and native lawns come in. These types of lawns are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the prairie states, while still providing a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

Groundcover Lawn Alternatives

Groundcover is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance lawn. It fills in spaces between plants and helps to suppress weeds. There are many different types of groundcover to choose from, so you can find one that suits your needs and climate.

Some good groundcover options for the northern plains states include:

Plantain sedge
Bugleweed
Wintercreeper
Coral bells
Hosta

If you have a sunny lawn, you can try these groundcovers:

Common yarrow
Meadow anemone
Creeping phlox
Lamb’s ears
Purple poppy mallow

Native Lawns

Native lawns are another great option for the prairie states. These lawns are made up of plants that are native to the region, so they are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

Native lawns offer a number of benefits, including:

Drought tolerance
Low maintenance
Wildlife habitat
Pollinator attraction

Some popular native grasses for prairie lawns include:

Tall prairie grasses: big bluestem, switchgrass, Indiangrass
Short grasses: blue grama, little bluestem, buffalo grass
Wet meadow grasses: switchgrass, prairie cordgrass, western wheatgrass, Canada wildrye

You can also add wildflowers to your native lawn to create a more colorful and diverse landscape. Some good choices for wildflowers include:

Purple coneflower
Blazing star
Heath aster
Black-eyed Susan
Blanket flower

Benefits of Alternative and Native Lawns

Alternative and native lawns offer a number of benefits over traditional turf grass lawns, including:

Drought tolerance: These lawns are designed to withstand the hot and dry climate of the prairie states.
Low maintenance: They require less watering, mowing, and fertilizing than traditional lawns.
Wildlife habitat: Native lawns provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and bees.
Pollinator attraction: Native lawns are a great way to attract pollinators to your yard.
Cost savings: Alternative and native lawns can save you money on water, fertilizer, and mowing costs.

How to Establish an Alternative or Native Lawn

Establishing an alternative or native lawn is relatively easy. Here are a few tips:

Choose the right plants: Select plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
Prepare the soil: Remove any existing vegetation and till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
Plant the seeds or plugs: Follow the planting instructions for the specific plants you have chosen.
Water regularly: Water your lawn regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
Mow sparingly: Mow your lawn only when necessary, and never mow it too short.

With a little care and attention, your alternative or native lawn will thrive in the prairie states climate. You’ll enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space that is also good for the environment.

Gardening and Nature

Sand Dunes: The Plants That Shape Them and Their Vital Importance

by Donna September 11, 2021

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Sand Dunes and the Plants That Shape Them

Sand dunes are fascinating natural formations found along many coastlines. They are created by the interaction of wind, sand, and plants. While many plants struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of sand dunes, there are a few that have adapted to thrive in this unique environment. These plants play a crucial role in the formation and stability of sand dunes, and they provide important benefits to coastal ecosystems.

How Sand Dunes Form

Sand dunes are formed when wind-blown sand is trapped by plants. As sand accumulates around the stems, leaves, and roots of plants, it forms small mounds or hummocks. Over time, these mounds can grow into larger dunes.

The type of plants that grow in a particular area will determine the shape and size of the dunes. For example, sea oats are tall grasses with extensive root systems that are particularly effective at trapping sand. Dunes formed by sea oats are typically taller and more stable than dunes formed by other plants.

Plants of the Sand Dunes

There are a variety of plants that can grow in sand dunes, but the most common and important ones include:

Beach elder: This plant has woody stems and fleshy, bright green leaves. It is often found on the fringes of beaches and helps to trap sand and form dunes.
Sea oats: Sea oats are tall grasses with narrow foliage and extensive root systems. They are the dominant plant on many dunes and play a critical role in their formation and stability.
Beachgrass: Beachgrass is a type of grass that is found in dunes along the Great Lakes. It helps to hold the sand in place and stabilize it, creating a more favorable environment for other plants to grow.

The Importance of Sand Dunes

Sand dunes provide a number of important benefits to coastal ecosystems, including:

Storm protection: Sand dunes help to protect the mainland and houses from tropical storms and other coastal hazards. The sand absorbs the energy of storm waves, reducing their impact on coastal communities.
Habitat for wildlife: Sand dunes provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. The plants that grow in dunes provide food and shelter for these animals.
Recreation: Sand dunes are popular destinations for recreation, such as hiking, birdwatching, and beachcombing. They offer a unique and beautiful landscape that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Threats to Sand Dunes

Sand dunes are a fragile ecosystem that is threatened by a number of human activities, including:

Development: Development on and near sand dunes can destroy or damage these important ecosystems.
Off-road vehicles: Off-road vehicles can damage dunes and the plants that grow on them.
Invasive species: Invasive species can outcompete native plants and disrupt the natural balance of sand dune ecosystems.

It is important to protect sand dunes and the plants that grow on them. By doing so, we can help to ensure that these valuable ecosystems continue to provide their many benefits for generations to come.

How to Help Sand Dunes

There are a number of things that you can do to help protect sand dunes, including:

Stay on designated trails: When visiting sand dunes, stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the plants and the dunes themselves.
Avoid driving off-road: Off-road vehicles can damage dunes and the plants that grow on them. Stick to designated roads and trails when driving in dune areas.
Remove invasive species: If you see invasive species growing in sand dunes, remove them carefully to help protect the native plants.
Educate others: Help to educate others about the importance of sand dunes and the plants that grow on them. By spreading the word, you can help to ensure that these valuable ecosystems are protected for future generations.

Gardening

Evergreen Trees for Zone 6: Your Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Beauty and Privacy

by Gregory August 7, 2021

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Evergreen Trees for Zone 6: A Comprehensive Guide for Effortless Beauty

Introduction

Evergreen trees are a wonderful addition to any landscape, providing year-round greenery, privacy, wildlife habitat, and shade. Choosing the right evergreen trees for your garden space in Zone 6 is essential to ensure their health and longevity.

Choosing the Right Evergreen Trees for Zone 6

Most evergreen trees for Zone 6 are native to North America and are well-adapted to the region’s climate. They are hardy to temperatures that dip to -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 degrees Celsius). When selecting evergreen trees for your Zone 6 garden, it’s important to consider the size, shape, and growth habit of the tree, as well as your individual needs and aesthetic preferences.

Small Evergreen Trees for Zone 6

If you’re looking for smaller evergreen trees that won’t overwhelm your space, there are several great options to choose from:

Umbrella pine: This Japanese native has radiant shiny green needles that spread out like the spokes in an umbrella. It matures at around 20 feet tall.
Dwarf blue spruce: This compact tree grows only 10 feet tall and is popular for its blue foliage.
Silver Korean fir: The undersides of the needles are silvery white and reflect beautifully in sunlight. It typically reaches heights of 30-40 feet.
Weeping Blue Atlas cedar: This graceful tree has cascading branches and blue-green foliage. It can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Dwarf Alberta spruce: This slow-growing evergreen maintains a dense, conical shape and typically reaches heights of 4-6 feet.

Impactful Evergreen Trees for Zone 6

If you want to make a statement in your landscape, consider planting a larger evergreen tree. These majestic specimens can provide a dramatic focal point and create a sense of grandeur:

Giant sequoia: These massive trees can reach heights of over 200 feet in their native habitat, but in cultivation, they typically grow to around 125 feet.
Canadian hemlock: With feathery, graceful foliage, the Canadian hemlock can achieve heights of up to 80 feet.
Hinoki cypress: This elegant evergreen has layered branches and dense foliage. It grows up to 80 feet tall but has a slow growth habit.

Evergreen Trees for Hedges and Screens

Evergreen trees can also be used to create privacy hedges or screens. These dense plantings provide a natural barrier that can block unsightly views, reduce noise, and provide wildlife habitat:

Leyland cypress: This fast-growing evergreen develops into an elegant barrier and achieves heights of up to 60 feet.
Dwarf hollies: These compact evergreens retain their glossy, green leaves year-round and can be sheared or left natural.
Arborvitae: One of the most common hedge plants, arborvitae are fast-growing and come in a variety of cultivars, including a golden hybrid.

Benefits of Planting Evergreen Trees in Zone 6

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, evergreen trees offer a range of benefits for Zone 6 gardeners:

Year-round greenery: Evergreens provide color and interest to your landscape even during the winter months.
Privacy and screening: Dense evergreen plantings can create a natural privacy screen or block unsightly views.
Wildlife habitat: Evergreens provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Windbreak: Evergreen trees can help to reduce wind speed and protect your home and other plants from strong winds.
Noise reduction: Evergreen trees can help to absorb and deflect noise, creating a more peaceful environment.

By carefully selecting the right evergreen trees for your Zone 6 garden, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these majestic plants for years to come.

Trees

The Virginia Pine: Characteristics, Uses, and Growing Guide

by Gregory March 1, 2021

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

The Virginia Pine: A Versatile and Hardy Tree

Introduction

The Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) is a common sight in eastern North America, ranging from Alabama to New York. It is known for its adaptability and resilience, making it a popular choice for a variety of landscaping and conservation purposes.

Characteristics and Appearance

Virginia pine trees are evergreen conifers, typically reaching heights of 15 to 40 feet. They have a pyramidal shape when young, with low branches and dense foliage. As they mature, they develop disproportionately long limbs and a more scraggly silhouette.

The needles of the Virginia pine are arranged in bundles of two and can grow up to 3 inches long. They are yellow-green to dark green in color and remain on the tree for up to three years. The cones are small, measuring 1 to 3 inches in length, and come in groups of two or four. They have a sharp prickle at the tip of each scale.

Habitat and Distribution

Virginia pines are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and abandoned fields. They are particularly well-suited to un-glaciated soil and rocky outcrops, where nutrients are scarce. This makes them a valuable species for reclaiming lumbered acreage and restoring degraded ecosystems.

The Virginia pine’s natural range extends from New Jersey and southern New York in the north to Alabama and Mississippi in the south. It is also found in isolated populations in other parts of the United States, such as the Great Lakes region and the Ozark Mountains.

Uses and Benefits

Virginia pine trees have a variety of uses, both ornamental and practical. They are sometimes used as landscape trees, particularly for naturalizing large spaces or creating windbreaks. They are also popular Christmas trees due to their dense foliage and attractive shape.

Ecologically, Virginia pine trees provide important habitat and food sources for a variety of animals and birds. Their seeds are a valuable food source for many species, and their dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites.

Growing and Care

Virginia pine trees are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer well-drained soil with a neutral to acidic pH, but they can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. They are also drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with limited water availability.

When planting a Virginia pine tree, it is important to choose a site with full sun to partial shade. The tree should be planted in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Water the tree deeply after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

For the first few years after planting, it is a good idea to stake the tree and train the limbs to encourage a strong and balanced growth habit. Once established, Virginia pine trees require minimal care. They are susceptible to breakage due to their weak wood, so it is important to protect them from strong winds and heavy snow.

Conclusion

The Virginia pine is a versatile and hardy tree with a wide range of uses and benefits. Its adaptability and resilience make it a valuable species for both landscaping and conservation purposes. By understanding the characteristics, habitat, and care requirements of the Virginia pine, you can make informed decisions about planting and caring for this important tree.

Gardening Techniques

Downspout Bog Gardens: A Sustainable Solution for Excess Runoff and Water Conservation

by Gregory November 3, 2020

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Downspout Bog Gardens: A Solution for Excess Runoff and Water Conservation

Introduction

If you’re a gardener who struggles with too much water in your yard, especially during spring and summer, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge, and it can be frustrating to manage the moisture and keep your property looking its best. Fortunately, there’s a clever solution that can not only solve your water woes but also add diversity and beauty to your landscape: a downspout bog garden.

What is a Downspout Bog Garden?

A downspout bog garden is a special type of garden that’s designed to collect and slowly absorb excess runoff from your downspouts. It’s a great way to optimize growing space that might otherwise be unusable due to poor drainage.

Benefits of Downspout Bog Gardens

Water Conservation: By directing water from your downspouts into a bog garden, you can reduce runoff and conserve water. This is especially important in areas with water restrictions or during droughts.
Reduced Water Pollution: Excess runoff can carry pollutants into local waterways, harming aquatic ecosystems. Bog gardens help filter these pollutants before they reach the water.
Improved Soil Drainage: Bog gardens are planted with native plants that thrive in moist soil conditions. These plants help improve the drainage of your yard, reducing waterlogging and preventing damage to your foundation.
Increased Biodiversity: Bog gardens attract a variety of wildlife, including pollinators and other beneficial insects. This can enhance the biodiversity of your landscape and support a healthy ecosystem.

Creating a Downspout Bog Garden

Building a downspout bog garden is a relatively simple and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Plan Your Garden

Determine the amount of runoff you need to manage and choose a location for your bog garden.
Dig a hole that’s at least 3 feet deep and slopes away from your house foundation.

2. Line the Hole

Line the hole with heavy plastic that has small holes to allow for slow drainage.
Add a layer of peat moss to help retain moisture.

3. Fill the Hole

Fill the hole with a mixture of the original soil and compost.

4. Attach the Downspout

Attach an elbow to the end of your downspout and direct the water into the bog garden.
If necessary, use an extension piece to ensure the water reaches the garden.

5. Plant Your Bog Garden

Choose native plants that thrive in moist soil conditions.
Consider planting native perennial flowers, ferns, and shrubs.
Avoid disturbing natural bog habitats or removing plants from the wild.

Tips for Success

Use a variety of native plants to create a diverse and resilient bog garden.
Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor your bog garden regularly and adjust the water flow as needed.

Conclusion

Downspout bog gardens are a sustainable and effective solution for managing excess runoff, conserving water, and enhancing your landscape. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a thriving bog garden that will bring beauty and ecological benefits to your yard for years to come.

Gardening Techniques

Create a Microclimate in Your Garden with a Pond: Benefits and How-To

by Gregory October 25, 2020

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

How Ponds Create Microclimates in Your Garden

What is a Microclimate?

A microclimate is a small area with its own unique climate, which can be different from the surrounding area. Microclimates can be created by various factors, such as the presence of water, vegetation, or buildings.

How Ponds Create Microclimates

Ponds can create microclimates in your garden by regulating temperature and humidity. The water in the pond absorbs heat during the day and releases it slowly at night, creating a warmer microclimate around the pond. This can be beneficial for heat-loving plants, such as tomatoes and peppers.

In addition, the water in the pond evaporates, creating humidity in the air. This can help to cool the surrounding area and provide relief from hot, dry conditions.

The Benefits of Microclimates in Ponds

Microclimates in ponds can provide a number of benefits for your garden, including:

Extended growing season: The warmer microclimate around the pond can allow you to grow plants that are not typically suited to your climate.
Increased plant growth: The higher humidity levels can help plants to grow more vigorously.
Reduced water usage: The water in the pond can help to reduce water evaporation from the soil, saving you money on your water bill.
Improved soil health: The increased humidity levels can help to improve soil structure and fertility.
Attracting wildlife: The pond and its microclimate can attract a variety of wildlife, such as birds, frogs, and insects.

How to Create a Microclimate Pond

Creating a microclimate pond is a relatively simple process. Here are a few tips:

Choose the right location: The best location for a microclimate pond is in a sunny spot that is protected from the wind.
Dig the pond: The pond should be at least 18 inches deep and 3 feet wide.
Line the pond: Line the pond with a pond liner to prevent water loss.
Fill the pond with water: Fill the pond with water from a hose or rain barrel.
Add plants: Add a variety of plants to the pond, including both aquatic and marginal plants.
Enjoy your microclimate pond: Sit back and enjoy the benefits of your microclimate pond!

How Microclimates Impact Ponds

The microclimate around a pond can also impact the pond itself. For example, the warmer microclimate can lead to increased water evaporation, which can lower the water level in the pond. In addition, the higher humidity levels can promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants.

It is important to be aware of the potential impacts of microclimates on your pond and to take steps to mitigate these impacts. For example, you can add a fountain or bubbler to the pond to help circulate the water and reduce evaporation. You can also plant trees or shrubs around the pond to provide shade and reduce humidity levels.

Conclusion

Ponds can be a valuable addition to any garden, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. By creating a microclimate pond, you can extend the growing season, increase plant growth, and attract wildlife to your garden.

Trees

Mountain Cedar: The Tree with Many Names and Common Misconceptions

by Donna April 3, 2020

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Mountain Cedar: The Tree with Many Names

Mountain cedar is a tree with a confusing name. It’s not actually a cedar tree, and it’s not native to mountains. So, what is it?

What is Mountain Cedar?

Mountain cedar is actually a type of juniper tree, scientifically known as Juniperus ashei. It has many other common names, including ashe juniper, rock cedar, Mexican juniper, and Texas cedar.

Mountain cedar is an evergreen tree, meaning it keeps its leaves all year round. It’s not very tall, usually growing to be around 25 feet tall. It’s native to central Texas, but it can also be found in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and northern Mexico.

Mountain Cedar Information

Mountain cedar trees have rounded crowns and dark bark that peels off in strips. The leaves are small and scale-like, and they stay green all year round.

Mountain cedar trees are either male or female. Male trees produce pollen cones, while female trees produce fruit cones that look like berries. The berries provide food for wildlife.

Mountain Cedar Allergies

Mountain cedar pollen is known to cause allergies in some people, often referred to as “cedar fever.” Symptoms of cedar fever can include red eyes, runny nose, itchy ears, sneezing, and fatigue.

Cedar fever can be a real nuisance, especially during the winter months when the pollen count is high. If you suffer from cedar fever, you may want to talk to your doctor about allergy shots. Allergy shots can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Growing Mountain Cedar Trees

Mountain cedar trees are relatively easy to grow, but they do have some specific requirements. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They are also drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for areas with limited water.

Mountain cedar trees can be grown from seed or cuttings. If you’re growing them from seed, you’ll need to scarify the seeds before planting them. This will help them to germinate more easily.

Mountain cedar trees are a beautiful and versatile addition to any landscape. They are evergreen, drought-tolerant, and relatively easy to grow. However, if you suffer from cedar fever, you may want to consider planting a different type of tree.

Additional Information

Other uses of mountain cedar: Mountain cedar wood is used to make furniture, fence posts, and other products. The berries are also used to make jelly and other food products.
Mountain cedar and wildlife: Mountain cedar trees provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and deer.
Mountain cedar and the environment: Mountain cedar trees help to reduce erosion and improve water quality. They also provide shade and oxygen.

Gardening

Crimson Clover: A Versatile and Beautiful Plant | Uses, Benefits, and History

by Donna April 2, 2020

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Crimson Clover: A Versatile and Beautiful Plant

Crimson clover, also known as Italian clover, is a vibrant annual clover native to Europe. Its scientific name, Trifolium incarnatum, means “blood red,” a fitting description for its stunning crimson flowers. Crimson clover thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9 and is widely used as an ornamental, cover crop, pasture forage, hay, and in crop rotation plans.

Physical Characteristics

Crimson clover can grow up to 36 inches tall and features broad, oval leaflets. Its most striking feature is its dense, red flowers, which bloom in long spikes about 2 1/2 inches long. Crimson clover prefers full sun or partial shade and grows best in moderately moist soils.

Uses and Benefits

Crimson clover offers a wide range of uses and benefits:

Ornamental: Crimson clover’s vibrant flowers make it a lovely addition to gardens and landscapes.
Cover Crop: Crimson clover is an excellent cover crop that helps prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil fertility.
Pasture Forage: Cattle farmers value crimson clover as a protein-rich forage crop for their animals.
Hay: Crimson clover can be harvested for hay, providing a nutritious feed for livestock.
Crop Rotation: Crimson clover is often incorporated into crop rotation plans to add nitrogen to the soil and improve soil health.
Erosion Control: Crimson clover’s dense root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it ideal for areas prone to runoff.
Wildlife Habitat: Crimson clover provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies.

History of Crimson Clover in the United States

Crimson clover was first introduced to the United States in the mid-1800s as a green manure crop. In the 1940s, interest grew in its use as a grazing crop, and it was widely cultivated in the Southeast for both seed and grazing purposes. Crimson clover also played a significant role in east Texas, where it was proclaimed as the official flower for a week in April 1951.

However, the history of crimson clover in the United States took a turn in the 1960s when production declined rapidly due to factors such as the shift to nitrogen fertilizers and unpredictable rainfall during harvest. Today, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is the primary producer of crimson clover seed, accounting for 95% of the total seed production in the country.

Crimson Clover Today

Crimson clover remains an important plant in the United States, serving a variety of purposes in agriculture, landscaping, and wildlife conservation. Its versatility, beauty, and environmental benefits make it a valuable asset to both farmers and homeowners alike.

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