Native Plant Garden Care. Native Plant Garden Care is often described as low maintenance, but that phrase probably deserves a clearer explanation. Low maintenance does not equal zero maintenance. Native gardens are not no-work gardens. They are lower input systems that respond to timing, observation, and restraint rather than constant correction. Native Plant Garden Care […]
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Recently we experimented with a potted Rosemary herb as one of the possible eco-friendly Christmas trees options this year. Straightaway, people are delighted to find a solution to the cultural norm killing gentle, sentient beings like trees. A friend recommended the concept of decorating an outdoor tree. In fact, decorating outdoor trees is how to
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Fall is the Best Time for New Landscaping Projects. Why Fall Is the Best Time for New Landscaping Projects. There are so many reasons—really, so many. Let’s start with the one everyone can appreciate: it’s easy. When new garden or landscape projects begin in the fall, we’re working with nature instead of against it. Cooler
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A Niche Plant: Meet the Giant Yellow Hyssop In the world of native plants, some species play unique roles crucial for specific ecosystems. These are known as niche plants. One example is the Giant Yellow Hyssop (Agastache nepetoides). This native New York herb thrives in rich, moist woodlands and along stream banks. Additionally, Yellow Hyssop
Please stop with Lyme tick nurseries. Aka, How to prevent ticks in your yard. Certainly, many people are considering while they plan their outdoor spaces: “How to prevent ticks in my yard?” In the region of upstate New York where we live, Lyme disease- an infection of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that’s spread primarily by
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Planting Apple Orchards with Jessecology. Jessecology Eco-Landscaping has been planting organic apple orchards for the past 2 decades. Certainly, it’s a passion rooted in 20 years of regenerative land care. Since our earliest days, we’ve helped clients across New York State establish beautiful, productive apple orchards that nourish both people and the planet. Our approach
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Monarch Butterfly Weddings. Every summer, deep in the flower fields, the monarch butterflies hold their weddings. The guests flutter in from miles away. Orange and black wings glow in the sun. Milkweed petals line the aisle. Bees hum a gentle tune. The bride wears fresh pollen on her wings. The groom flutters nervously in the
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Wildlife Corridor Gardens Wildlife corridor gardens are certainly one of the most powerful tools we have to repair habitat and protect biodiversity. Straightaway, they exist right on our own properties. Without question, these gardens are intentionally planted green spaces that connect fragmented natural areas. Concurrently they allow migrating songbirds, pollinators, and other wildlife to safely
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The Truth About Japanese Knotweed: New Perspectives. The Latin name for Japanese knotweed is Reynoutria japonica. It is also sometimes referred to by its older scientific name, Fallopia japonica, which is still used in some references. Both names are correct, though Reynoutria japonica is the currently accepted classification in many botanical circles. Japanese knotweed is
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A Beautiful Local Rain Garden Story. In the spring of 2012, we designed and installed rain gardens at an inn on Lake George. This spring, we added more plants to enhance the design. Native plants typically focus on developing their root systems during their first year. Certainly, the gardens would be more spectacular and fuller
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Organic Garden Lifestyle The Beauty and Benefits of Organic Gardens. In the hustle + bustle of modern life, there’s an ever-growing yearning to reconnect with nature. Finding solace in the simplicity of greenery and soil at home is the new frontier. Enter the organic garden – a sanctuary where sustainability meets beauty. The act of
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) Poison Ivy: A Misunderstood Native Plant with Hidden Benefits Toxicodendron radicans is often much hated by humans, known for causing rashes and swelling. However, it offers surprising ecological benefits. This native species plays a vital role in New York’s ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the soil. For many songbirds, Poison Ivy’s
Ease up on the yard work. It’s just kinder. “Yard Work.” This time of year, people wear themselves and each other out with yardwork. There’s raking and activity with leaf blowers. And then folks cut every green, soft tissue stem possible down to the ground. It really needs to stop. The incessant fixation on neatness
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How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Backyard Naturally. Mosquitoes turn a peaceful evening in your backyard into a source of irritation. However, getting rid of these pests doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. There are several natural methods you can use to reduce or eliminate mosquitoes, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space
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The Plight of the Blue Lupine in the Northeast Blue Lupine. In the realm of native plant conservation, good intentions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. The Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis), a beautiful and vital native species in the northeastern United States, has faced significant challenges in recent years. A mix of enthusiasm for
Butterfly Gardens in Glenville, NY A year in recent history, our company was invited to design and install new butterfly gardens in Glenville, NY. The new gardens were comprised exclusively of NY native plants. The Swallowtail butterfly photo was taken by the homeowner, Mark. The following photo is from summer 2014. It was taken in
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This summer we had the privilege of doing ecological garden renovations at a farm in Saratoga. The farm is located in quintessential farm country, heading east on the way to Schuylerville, surrounded by miles on all sides of wild beauty. It’s a dream location for this exact kind of project: planting dozens of native plants
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Poison Parsnip Season. Being mid-June, it’s now the time of year that the invasive plant Poison Parsnip (aka Wild Parsnip or Pastinaca sativa) is blooming on the roadsides, ditches, marshes and forest edges of Saratoga + Albany County and much of the northeast. Many people confuse Poison Parsnip with the early blooming shade tolerant native
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Hummingbird Garden DIY: How To Creating hummingbird habitat in our gardens is easy and necessary for the species’ survival. Hummingbird Garden DIY is possible with a few learned principles. Properties that have rich biodiversity have many different native plant species. This includes native trees, shrubs, perennials and native grasses and sedges. Hummingbirds need nectar and
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Edible Gardens in Saratoga Springs, NY. Altogether, many people want to grow their own organic food and have edible gardens at home these days. The photo here shows some Saratoga Springs, NY edible gardens projects in raised beds. It is always a good idea to plant native plants near vegetable gardens to attract pollinators. Correspondingly,
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