Turf Grass Anonymous – A 12 Step Program
A perfectly manicured, green turf grass has been a status symbol since the Industrial Revolution. Everyone could finally afford to have a lawn, not just wealthy estates. But at what costs?
What a difference a year makes – cold 2013 spring, delayed plants
Remember our spring 2012 when the weather reached the mid and upper 80’s in March? This was followed by severe drought and heat. This early spring caught us all off guard. I quickly hurried to get my yard ready for a controlled burn in mid-March since my...Treating Water as a Precious Resource, Not a Waste Product
Summary of my presentation from Chicago Wilderness Wild Things Conference on Feb. 2, 2013 Many of us still think of water or run-off from rain fall, snow melt or irrigation as something we want to remove from our properties as quickly as possible. A waste product. We...2012 Late Summer Observations: During record heat and drought
It the beginning of August, and I am happy to report, that despite record heat and drought this year, my established native garden is doing fine without ANY water. Now I’m not saying my garden is looking perfect, but if I were a plant and experiencing the...Things to do in the garden during 2012’s record heat and drought
When the well is dry, we know the worth of water. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN This is my test year. I have not watered my established gardens or plants which have been in my yard more than 3 years. I have mainly focused on watering the plants I installed this year....