If you know a little bit about ecology, interdependence is a familiar idea. Everything––plant, animal, water, insect, bacteria––is mutually reliant on other organisms in the ecosystem. No species exists in a vacuum, and change for one affects all. The reality of interdependence means that even seemingly small changes can have gigantic effects, for better or...
The term “invasive species” can stir up sinister imagery and vaguely unsettling feelings. But what are invasive species, exactly? What do they mean for your local landscape? What can we learn from them? How can backyard gardeners avoid causing harm, and help foster healthier ecosystems? WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES? According to Merriam Webster, invasives are...
In early spring, water abounds. Melting snow, dripping icicles, and rainstorms turn what was recently solid ground into a muddy sponge. Here at Nature Works Land Care, we welcome the wet season and all it brings. But muck and runoff can be costly––even dangerous––when not managed properly. WHAT IS WATER MANAGEMENT? On a municipal level,...
Short days, cozy nights & the constant threat of snow: Winter Solstice approaches! In the holiday season, we are reminded to draw our friends and families close. The impulse to express our affection with gifts is strong, but many of us don’t want more “things.” Some of us want to counteract consumer culture. Others simply...
It’s leaf-peeping season and nature’s multicolored masterpiece does not disappoint! Along with fiery vistas, ombre palettes, and pumpkin-spice beverages comes a plethora of newly fallen leaves. The annual conundrum has arrived: to rake or not to rake? THE CASE FOR CLEANING UP Blowing or raking the leaves away now looks tidy and keeps the...
Harvest season: that magical time when plants team with fruits, foliage and flowers. But when plants are weighed down by their own blooms, knocked to the ground in stormy winds, or simply overgrown, could your garden be…too full? If it looks less like Eden and more like a botanical blunder, it’s time to take action!...
Overwhelmed by the abundance of fruits and veggies ripening in your garden? Does your CSA offer more cukes than you can consume? These tried-and-true methods of preserving produce will extend the expiration date on your farm-fresh bounty. For step-by-step instructions, we’ve linked to online resources from the National Center for Home Food Preservation. Your local...
So you’ve decided to create an outdoor gathering space? Wahoo! What better way to celebrate the landscape than by spending time in your yard? Now what? There’s lots to consider when setting up your plein-air retreat, but don’t worry; we’ve come up with a list of things to keep in mind while planning,...
It’s been a long, cold winter and we are all aching for warmer, sunnier days that bring on early spring flowers. And we’re not alone, early emerging bees, beetles, flies, moths and butterflies will be seeking the essential nectar and pollen from these early flowers. I learned the importance of native plants and their vital...
This year, newly constructed raised bed gardens popped up throughout the spring as people rediscovered their love for gardening. But now that winter is coming, we want to make sure all your hard work keeps paying dividends for years to come. With that in mind, here are a few important steps to take to ensure...
