Knowing that I am a part of nature and not apart from it gives a sense of belonging and connection I think most of us seek for much of our lives. The joy I feel when I step outside and am surrounded by the sights and sounds of all manner of life- big and small- is such a special feeling. It is connection and care in the purest sense. One of my goals in life is to help others shift their perspective on what 'beauty' is from harmful traditions devoid of life to vibrant, life-filled spaces.

We own a meadow that was historically mowed twice a year. We have had this property for almost two years. We let the dormant soil seeds grow and let nature express as she pleased. We are battling invasives and adding more natives to our beloved meadow. We always have something gorgeous to see or listen to. It can be a bird, an insect, a new flowering plant, a fungi, or a bear poo full of seeds, the leaves in the wind. It is our temple, where we connect with nature and feel peace and love. Planting natives and learning from them is anchored to your reality as a human being and the role you play in creating a healthy ecosystem.

Planting natives in my yard was a stepping stone to a world I'd never really imagined. All of a sudden I wasn't just learning about native blue porterweed or how to divide muhly grass but about the native sweat bees, bumblebees, and butterflies that suddenly showed up, as well as their roles in supporting other creatures in the environment - other insects, birds, bats, and more. It also helped change how I saw myself and my efforts. It reinforced my responsibility as a caretaker and steward and instilled a sense of reciprocity.

As I aged, I wanted to babysit plants less and admire them more. Adding native shrubs, trees, and perennials provided less maintenance, no diseases, and more insects and birds in the garden. The colors of native plants and their consistency, resilience, and beauty should be made known.

Native plants not only provide essential resources for our native pollinators and other wildlife, but it has also provided me with a sense of connection to the land I live on. It also consumes less water resources on my property. I recommend others plant native, not just because of the water they’ll save, but because there is something intangible that one gains by understanding and connecting with their native landscape.

Incorporating native plants into the landscape brought my garden spaces to life. It all started with hosting swallowtail caterpillars and planting nectar sources for them and our local bees. I had no idea it would also attract beetles, wasps, frogs, spiders, turtles, lizards, and a variety of cool caterpillars and birds. This has helped keep the cricket, grasshopper, and other actual pest bug population down and brings entertainment for my cats and I as we watch the garden from the bedroom windows. Also, we are the only house that doesn't spray our lawn and I've noticed only our house gets gophers and moles, which is great because we have a lot of clay soil and need them to help with water drainage, and robins in late winter. I am now very passionate about supporting life with our native landscape. The rewards are SO worth it, I highly recommend!