Bird Gardens: Creating Safe Habitat for Our Songbird Neighbors. Bird gardens for the eco-win. If you want more birds in your yard, the recipe is simpler than most people think. Basically, it starts with habitat structure. Birds don’t feel safe in wide-open lawns or landscapes that are mostly lawn or mulch and annuals. They feel […]
Gardening 101: How to begin gardening with native plants. We know—gardening with native plants is exciting, but it makes some people nervous for some reason. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your new garden and thinking, “Wait… is everything okay out there?”—you’re not alone. Let’s walk through some of the most common concerns we
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How to get rid of ticks on your property. How to Get Rid of Ticks on Your Property. There’s nothing quite like time spent outdoors—exhilarating, grounding, and good for the soul. But in the Northeast, many of us share one persistent worry: how to reduce tick exposure—preferably to zero. After nearly two decades of organic
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Sycamore Tree (Platanus occidentalis) The American Sycamore Tree (Platanus occidentalis) is one of North America’s most distinctive native trees—known for its mottled bark, immense size, and rich cultural history. Sycamore Tree: Botanical Review. The American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is among the largest deciduous trees native to North America. Its patchy, camouflage-like bark peels to reveal
The Sycamore London Plane Tree History. Tree Literacy. Beginning to build some tree literacy is a thrill every novice naturalist should presently experience. Certainly, spotting an American Sycamore in the wild is a great first step. But guess again — if you’re in an urban area of the U.S., there’s a good chance what you’re
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Plant Wildflower Seeds in Fall. Planting Wildflower Seeds in Fall. Plant wildflower seeds in fall to imitate natural rhythms and cooperate with the earth itself. Fall is nature’s perfect planting season—especially for wildflowers. While many gardeners hang up their boots and shovels as the days shorten, the natural world is just beginning a quiet, powerful
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Aster: an Introduction to the Genus. When most spring + summer garden flowers have faded, native Asters take center stage—bursting into bloom in late summer and early fall just when pollinators need them most. These specifically cheerful, star-like blossoms paint fields and gardens in shades of violet, lavender, blue, pink and white. Finally, Asters in
Fast Growing Native Trees for New York Landscapes. “What are the fast growing trees?” When homeowners dream of shade, a future canopy layer, and wildlife support in their yard, the question often comes up: “What trees grow fast?” Luckily, there are many native species that balance quick growth with ecological integrity—offering habitat, cooling shade, and
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Plant onions in fall: Native Alliums and Organic Garden Benefits. If you’re asking, “Should I plant onions in fall?” Certainly, the answer is yes! Fall is a perfect time to plant onions. While most gardeners think first of agricultural onions (Allium cepa), there’s a whole world of native onions worth knowing—and growing. Organic Onions and
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Fall Garden Planting. Why is Fall Garden Planting the Best Strategy? Why Is Fall the Best Time for New Landscaping Projects? There are countless reasons why fall is the ideal season for starting new landscaping projects, and it all begins with one simple truth: it’s easier. When you start a landscape renovation or new garden
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Fall Garden Plants. Fall is really the best time of the year for planting perennials, trees and shrubs. In the spring and summer, plants are concerned with their aerial parts growth and procreation. In the warmer months, plants pay less attention to their root development. There are good reasons to plant during these warm months,
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As autumn approaches, fall flowering plants that are native to New York State burst into vibrant color. These native species provide essential late-season nectar for pollinators and enhance the beauty of gardens, parks, and natural spaces. Consider adding these fall flowering plants that are native to New York State to your garden. New England Aster
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Composting 101 Composting 101: Turning Waste into Garden Gold Composting is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support a healthy garden while reducing household waste. At its core, composting transforms organic material—like food scraps, leaves, and yard debris—into nutrient-rich soil. This process not only improves your garden’s fertility but also helps reduce
Why Are Pollinators Important? Pollinators are vital to both human life and the natural world. Bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and even some beetles help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. Without these small but mighty creatures, the food on our tables and the beauty of our landscapes would be in serious
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How much mulch do I need? How Much Mulch Do I Need? (Simple Guide) Mulch is one of the easiest ways to improve your garden. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and makes your beds look beautiful. But how much do you actually need? Use this quick guide to calculate the right amount. Measure Your
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Benefits of Native Plants: Why use native plants? Top 5 Benefits of Native Plants. Biodiversity: Planting native species helps to support and enhance local biodiversity. Natives provide food and habitat for a variety of insects, birds, and other wildlife species that are adapted to your region. By creating a diverse and balanced ecosystem in your
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Natural Garden Pest Control Natural Garden Pest Control A healthy garden is the result of good planning and some luck. A living ecosystem can be created right where you are. When you build a garden rich in biodiversity, pest control can often largely take care of itself. Start with native plants to welcome predator insect
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Is dyed mulch bad for plants? Is Dyed Mulch Bad for Plants? Yes — dyed mulch is bad for plants and people. It’s debatable that it may look attractive at first, but the risks far outweigh the benefits. At Jessecology, we recommend avoiding dyed mulch in your garden or landscape. What is Dyed Mulch?
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What is Mulch? What Is Mulch? Mulch is one of the simplest features of a healthy garden. At its core, mulch is a topdressed layer of organic matter spread on the soil surface. It helps suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature. For new gardens in particular, mulch plays a crucial role in protecting
What Does Open Pollinated Mean? If you spend time in a garden or browsing seed catalogs, you may have seen the phrase open pollinated. But what does this mean, and why does it matter for gardeners? Open Pollination = True Breeding = Non-Hybrid. Open pollinated plants are those that reproduce naturally, with pollination occurring through
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