sharing on behalf of the ForestKeepers Network Vernal, or Ozark, witch hazel is among the earliest blooming native plants of Missouri. Its blooms, small flowers often hidden by persistent old foliage, provide sustenance and shelter to over wintering pollinators. While typically vernal witch hazel starts blooming midwinter, warm temperatures started…
By Jean Ponzi Bug Spray Kills Bugs. Most people don’t realize this is the hard biological fact. Pest control ads touting use of “eco-products” perpetuate assumptions that aerial sprayed chemicals only target insect “pests.” As advocates for native plants and insects, we have the knowledge and the will to educate…
by Marsha Gebhardt President, Wild Ones St. Louis Chapter Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities. It is with this mission of Wild Ones in mind, that the St. Louis Chapter joins with…
From our president, Marsha Gebhardt: Here is Part Two of our member Jo Alwood’s video series The Importance of Putting in Native Plants. The title of this one is What You Need to Know About Native Plant Gardening. This beautiful and informative 15-minute video has more specific native plant information…
By Joshua Neely I hope that you may be able to help me. I am seeking one or more populations of elder (Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis) in the St. Louis/St. Charles area for an unfunded genetic study. I welcome populations that are either cultivated or wild. I have included…
By April Anderson Here are 2 ‘before’ photos of my tiny backyard. Upon removing this excessive amount of ivy, I found oak, hackberry, and redbud saplings. From my former home in the Chicago area, I brought New England aster, butterfly weed, black-eyed Susan, zigzag goldenrod, rosin weed, Joe Pye weed, and marsh milkweed…
Before we know it, the growing season will start winding down. But there are still plenty of opportunities to learn about landscaping with native plants. Powder Valley Nature Center Floral Design with Widlflowers – Aug. 14 Native plants greatly benefit wildlife, but widflowers can also make beautiful floral arrangements. Learn…
By Dawn Weber I have a photo in the Wild Ones 2015 photo contest. It’s in the Flora category, called “Under Pressure,” a photo of wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) guttation. Guttation occurs when a plant has turned off its transpiration processes, usually at night, so excess moisture cannot evaporate from…
By Betty Struckhoff How lucky we are to live in the St. Louis area! Here are some of the opportunities in the next six weeks to learn and experience more of the beauty of native landscaping. June 4, 1 p.m. – Landscaping with Native Trees and Shrubs Sunset Hills community center, 3939…
In case you missed the link in the Native Plant School newsletter, this is a nice video of milkweeds in Yosemite, with monarchs and other pollinators.
