Preparing Native Plantings During the Dormant Season
The dormant season, spanning from late fall through early spring, is a rest period for most plants in the northeastern United States. While growth slows or ceases, this time presents key opportunities for landscape architects, conservationists, and native plant enthusiasts to prepare for the next growing season. Contrary to the perception that winter is a […]
Everything You Need to Know Brush Layering
Soil erosion is a significant challenge in conservation, particularly in areas where steep slopes, streambanks, or disturbed lands are exposed to wind and water. Left unchecked, erosion can degrade ecosystems, disrupt waterways, and threaten native plant and animal species. One effective method for stabilizing these vulnerable landscapes is brush layering, a natural erosion control technique […]
Bioengineering Techniques for Erosion Control
Erosion control is the practice of stabilizing soil. It’s critical for preserving biodiversity, water quality, and overall soil health in your meadow or landscape. There are many ways to achieve erosion control. Some methods involved hard engineering using large equipment, concrete, artificial barriers, and expensive tools. However, bioengineering techniques for erosion control can be just […]
Thistle Plants and Other Invasive Species
Invasive species like Canada Thistle and Bull Thistle can wreak havoc on local ecosystems in the northeastern United States. Left unchecked, they can dominate other beneficial flora, negatively impacting biodiversity and agriculture. Understanding how these species take hold is the first step in controlling them. In today’s guide, we’ll explain what you need to know […]
Best Trimming Practices for Overwintering Pollinators
While you’re hopefully bundled up in a warm place reading this blog, the pollinators that support our local ecosystems don’t have this luxury. They rely on overwintering strategies for shelter and insulation during the cold months. Overwintering is a general term that describes how various species survive the cold. IIt’s not a universal strategy, but […]
Native Meadows vs. Traditional Lawns
A traditional lawn is a homogeneous area composed of non-native grass species. With a uniform appearance that provides a specific aesthetic, lawns are appropriate for recreation or social space. However, they can be more demanding on the ecosystem and those trying to maintain them. If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional lawn, a […]
Comprehensive Guide to Planning and Preparing Upland Native Meadows
A native meadow is a vibrant landscape filled with grasses and wildflowers that are indigenous to a specific region. They support local ecosystems by serving many distinct purposes including providing food and habitats to pollinators, enhancing biodiversity, and even improving soil health. For those interested in making a positive environmental impact while enjoying a low-maintenance […]
The Impact of Secondary Metabolites in Nectar and Pollen on Bee Behavior
Nectar is often seen as a simple sugary reward that plants offer to pollinators, fueling the flight of insects and birds that visit flowers. However, recent research reveals that it is much more than just a food source. There are secondary metabolites in nectar and pollen known as nectar secondary compounds (NSCs). NSCs are complex […]
Benefits of Cover Crops vs. Companion Crops
In landscape development, including meadows, both cover and companion crops are used to support the growth of other plant species. In landscape development, including meadows, both cover and companion crops are used to support the growth of other plant species. They do this either by improving the health and structure of soil or by directly […]
Understanding Water Infiltration Rates
Water infiltration (sometimes soil infiltration or just infiltration) is how water on the ground surface enters the soil. It is one phase of a larger process known as the hydrological cycle, or water cycle, which encompasses the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. When water infiltrates the soil, […]