By Deborah Lebow Aal Everyone is concerned with health these days. We consume inordinate amounts of media about keeping ourselves healthy and buy enough supplements to fill bathtubs. But there’s more to keeping healthy than taking vitamin D and Ozempic (does that make you healthy?) and getting a gym membership. Turns out that getting your […] Continue reading "Health, Happiness…and Gardening!"
By Karen Vanderwall and Kristine Johnson I know, just the thought of planting a juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) on purpose in or near your garden of all places seems unlikely–or at least way down on the list of interesting plants you’re “pining” for. But you may want to give the humble native juniper some consideration. Juniperus […] Continue reading "Plant Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Juniper"
By Kristine Johnson What is compost? Compost is the “managed, aerobic (oxygen-requiring) biological decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms.” While we know that everything living eventually breaks down and returns nutrients to the earth, the process of composting can speed up decomposition, benefit certain decomposers, conserve nutrients, and yield a uniform product useful in gardening. […] Continue reading "Compost and the Native Plant Garden"
(Or at least help, a lot) By Kristine Johnson The Wild Ones mission statement focuses on native plants for healthy ecosystems, and the Front Range Chapter speaks to landscaping for a climate-resilient future. Why is this important, and what can sound gardening techniques anchored on native plants provide beyond this? Many people know that we […] Continue reading "Your Landscape Actions Can Actually Save the Planet!"
Review by Pam Sherman Our native plant gardens are more than habitat for insects, birds and mammals. They are also calming and nurturing spaces for humans. As we grow in our understanding of native garden design, it is inevitable that we will move toward habitat that considers the five elements in harmony with the human […] Continue reading "Book Review: Zen Garden Design Concepts for Native Gardens"
By Deb Lebow Aal As we approach the winter solstice, I am taking time to pull back, pull inside, reorganize, and yes, already think about my landscape for next year. We gardeners don’t only find solace and joy in working in our gardens, but planning them as well, and as a respite from the tumult […] Continue reading "A Colorado Pocket Prairie"
By Kristin Laux and Ayn Schmit As many of you know, our chapter has had a beautiful demo garden at Ekar Farm in Denver since 2021. As Ayn Schmit wrote in her 2022 article: “Ekar Farm, located on land belonging to the Denver Academy of Torah, is a non-profit organization that fosters community and connection […] Continue reading "Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Demo Garden"
By Vicki Saragoussi Phillips So, you’ve planted your native plant starts and sowed your native plant seeds, what’s next? Remember the five senses? Don’t forget to take some time to immerse yourself and celebrate your contribution to caring for the planet by creating a sustainable biodiverse habitat in your own landscape. As your garden is […] Continue reading "Remember the Five Senses in Your Native Plant Garden"
Compiled by Deborah Lebow Aal Bugs are in trouble, and our yards, both the plants we put in and the way we garden, can be part of the solution. The Xerces Society had an article I particularly liked on using your landscape to make a difference to bugs by adding microhabitats. I am summarizing and […] Continue reading "Adding Microhabitats to Your Landscape"
Compiled by Karen Vanderwall This month we thought we would update something we’ve done before and ask our Chapter Board of Directors for nuggets of wisdom from their experience planting natives in their own landscapes—passing on tips, and tricks that will help you establish and enjoy your native garden in the diverse and complex climate […] Continue reading "Tips and Tricks for Gardening with Native Plants on the Front Range"