Dedicated Wild Ones Enthusiast
In late 1996, I seeded a 10 x 20-foot section of my backyard with seeds from native plants, and started several forb species from seed in a make-shift cold frame. Several forbs in the cold frame germinated too early so I brought them inside and set them on sunny window ledges. It was quite delightful to watch them grow.
In 1997 I found an ad for Wild Ones in a wildflower publication. Wild Ones sounded exactly like an organization in which I wanted to participate. I joined and travelled to Chicago to attend a Wild Ones meeting. I inquired about starting a chapter in St. Louis.
In 1998, Scott Woodbury of Shaw Nature Reserve started the St. Louis Chapter.
As I was already a Wild Ones member, I attended the first St. Louis Chapter gathering and offered to host the second one, which my late husband and I hosted in September, 1998.
I have met many wonderful people who share my passion for native plant gardening. Many of my friends are Wild Ones members, especially those of us who were founding members of the St. Louis Chapter. I was the chapter secretary and membership chair for several years.
There are too many to choose a favorite forb, shrub or tree! As for a four-season understory tree, my favorite is Indian cherry, Frangula caroliniana. It has a perfect shape with shiny leaves in spring and beautiful berries in summer and fall, which birds eat in winter. However, I find it to be short-lived. When my first one died after approximately fifteen years, I planted two more because I find them so beautiful.
Despite hanging hummingbird feeders for many years, I never saw a hummingbird in my yard. The first year I planted royal catchfly, Silene regia, hummingbirds arrived as soon as the first flower opened. The next year, I saw my first hummingbird of the season while looking out the window while I showered. Sure enough, the royal catchfly was opening.
The biggest challenge I face is upkeep as I grow older. But I have these future plans for participating in the native landscaping movement in St. Louis:
- Continue to maintain my front and back yard native landscapes
- Continue to sing the praises of native plants
- Continue to show off my landscape to all interested persons
- Continue to support Wild Ones
post and photos by Jeanine Arrighi, chapter member
To learn more about our Keystone Member series and other members we are highlighting
visit: https://stlwildones.org/keystone-members/
Looking good Fran, both you and your native yard. You are an inspiration to me. I am going to put down the native seeds soon for several large plots at our home here in Ohio. I obtained the seeds from Indigenous Landscapes in Southern Ohio and am just waiting for the weather to chill. I also have some native seeds collected in MO for me, by special request, from Paul S. They will have their own bed. The next few years will be exciting to see the progress. Thanks for being you!