By Gina Bartleson My pollinator garden, located in Iowa City, began 8 years ago this year. It’s a continual work in progress. Each year, we have converted more of our yard to pollinator habitat. Each year, more native plants are added and the ones we already planted creep and expand. Each year, we see more […] Continue reading "June in the Urban Garden"
My pollinator garden, located in Iowa City, began 8 years ago this year. It’s a continual work in progress. Each year, we have converted more of our yard to pollinator habitat. Continue reading "April in the Urban Garden"
written by Meghan Hollister The spring solstice has a funny way of infusing my spirit with life. Days lengthen, energy is refreshed, and life begins to stir. Birdsong greets the morning with sunlight that has already been waiting, almost offensive in its motivation, on its effortless celestial path that nudges life along. This is a […] Continue reading "Spring Awakenings"
Let us help you keep track of your must-haves for the native plant sale! This two page document includes all of the plants that will be available, along with some helpful tips to consider when planning your garden. We will continue to feature and highlight various plants leading up to the sale. So- print out […] Continue reading "Plant Sale Planning Guide"
Who’s excited for the plant sale!? We will be highlighting different native plants in the weeks leading up to our spring plant sale, to help you come ready with a list of your must-haves! First up is for all you purple people out there! (I am one of them ) Anise hyssop: 3-4 ft tall, […] Continue reading "Plant Sale Preview: Native Purple Flowers"
written by Emma Harmon By now, you have probably heard to “leave the leaves” in the fall for overwintering insects. But what else can we do to create habitat in our gardens over winter? Here are some views of my garden right now, in late March. In the later spring, after overwintering insects and queen […] Continue reading "Must-Haves for your Winter & Early Spring Garden"
Our annual Symposium is coming up soon! Join us next month at Western Illinois campus in Moline for a panel discussion, breakout sessions, garden tour, therapy dogs, and of course- pizza! Here is the schedule of events for that evening. We look forward to seeing you there! Continue reading "WIU Symposium- schedule of events"
written by Emma Harmon One of the biggest surprises I experienced when I began gardening was how much I enjoy the garden in every season. Each change in weather brings a new way to view my plants: seeing the vibrant colors after a fresh spring rain, the grasses swaying on a breezy summer evening, the […] Continue reading "Winter in the Native Garden"
written by Jerry McConoughey In the spring of 2017 I was given the opportunity to start a new garden in Riverside Park dedicated to native plants. It was a small area, just 86 square feet, 20 feet long, five and a half feet wide at the east end, and three and a half feet wide […] Continue reading "Starting a Native Plant Garden"