Maintaining Wild Tips
by Besa Schweitzer, chapter member
Use a rain barrel to catch rainwater
A rain barrel is a large water barrel that is attached to your downspout to collect rainwater. Using a rain barrel gives you a free supply of water for watering your garden. Using rainwater is a sustainable alternative to watering with tap water. Plants prefer rainwater and this also means less water needs to be chemically treated by the water company. If you have a big garden, you might need a large rain barrel. Place your rain barrel at the highest point on the property to have water pressure for watering with a hose connected to the barrel.
Provide water during dry weather
• Provide water in the garden for the birds, especially during dry weather.
• Check plants during summer drought periods and spot water as necessary.
• Newly planted trees and shrubs should continue to be watered thoroughly, once a week.
Look for the signs of Leaf-cutter Bees.
Leaves will often look like they have been attacked with a hole punch. The bees are cutting out leafy dividers to provision their nests, lining each egg compartment with leaves.
Tell the neighbors that you are proud of your native garden. Put up an information station near the street with native plant info and free seeds. Also, put up a sign that is visible from the street stating that this is a native plant landscape. Pre-made professional signs are available from:
• Wild Ones
• Monarch Waystation
• Xerces
• Bring Conservation Home
• Grow Native!
