MYAWAKI FOREST IN CAMBRIDGE, MASS. Written by: Leslie Duthie It is a beautiful 50′ circle of green in the dry park. Despite the severe drought, the trees look good and…
Native Plants
Current Climate
First Step to Maintain Biodiversity? Acknowledge Indigenous Knowledge as Science Written by: ELA Director, Mads McELgunn, MA Since reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s 2013 book, Braiding Sweetgrass, I’ve been patiently waiting…
Restoring a Pitch Pine-Oak Upland Forest at Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary
Restoring a Pitch Pine-Oak Upland Forest at Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary Written by: Dan Wilder, Director of Wildlife Ecology, Norcross Wildlife Foundation Norcross Wildlife Foundation is located in south-central Massachusetts and…
What’s Missing? Ferns for Your Garden
By Leslie Duthie
Ferns are the ancient plants in our landscapes. Every time we walk into the woodlands or drive along a country road, we see them. They cover old stone walls and flourish in wetlands and meadows. Yet, how often do we think of using them in our gardens?
Sowing Native Seeds
By Heather McCargo
The seeds of wild plants have a different set of needs than those of common garden and vegetable species. However, an understanding of the specific requirements for successful propagation and knowledge of some propagation techniques will help assure success.
There Is Always More
By Cathy Weston
No matter how thorough the weeding job, there are always more — weeds, invasives, or garden thugs. Sometimes it seems like the work is never-ending. “There is always more” could be the sub-title of this gardener’s life and the life of every gardener I know. When I get discouraged, I try to remember that there is always more joy to gardening, too.
Supply and Demand of Native Species
By Marie Chieppo
The demand for native plants by homeowners, designers and people in the green industry is steadily rising. Enhancing our properties’ wildlife support functions doesn’t require an absence of ornamentals and other plantings we enjoy. Some straight species and cultivars with high ecological value can provide a lot. Taking it a step further, Doug Tallamy advocates for the repurposing of “America’s lawnscape” for ecologically productive use.
Members Share Their Favorite Native Plants
Favorite plants that a gardener can depend on year in year out are the hallmark of sustainable gardens. Whether it’s a workhorse in the garden or it shines when other plants have drooped, we all have beloved plants. Learn about some ELA members’ favorite native plants.
Connecticut Native Plant and Sustainable Landscaping Guide
By Victoria Wallace and Alyssa Siegel-Miles
Interest in native plants and sustainable landscaping has exploded over the last decade. Through our UConn Extension Sustainable Turf & Landscape program, we provide practical science-based information to support the sustainability goals of Connecticut green industry professionals and home gardeners. With that in mind, we developed a free online guide of 44 pages of plant lists for every location matched with vibrant photographs.
ELA Names Winners of 2021 Spotlight on Natives Contest
Photographers from across the country submitted nearly 200 images to ELA’s 2021 Spotlight on Natives Photography Contest. Each sought to capture the special allure of native plants – the unique structure of trunks, stems, leaves, blossoms, seeds; the juxtaposition of native plants in groupings; and the interaction of pollinators with native plants. This year’s entries again encompassed an outstanding array of plants and habitats.
Lawn Murder
By Leslie Duthie
Americans love their lawns yet they provide minimal habitat or ecological value for anything other than humans. From an ecological standpoint, I started to rethink the importance of the “lawn” and to consider a smaller lawn and? or? lawn alternatives that do not require fertilizer, water, or much mowing. Ultimately, I decided the best solution would be to replace the lawn with new gardens.
Echinacea Trials at Mt. Cuba Center
By Sam Hoadley
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, is experiencing a horticultural renaissance thanks to plant breeders’ hybridization work resulting in the flood of new Echinacea cultivars to the horticultural market. While many of these plants look fantastic on paper, Mt. Cuba aimed to assess their actual garden performance and document their ability to attract insect pollinators.
