Taking in the beautiful purple blossoms as the scent of lilac floats on the air seems like a pretty idyllic backyard setting, but new research shows that not all plants are equal. That pretty lilac, porcelain berry, fragrant bush honeysuckle, and ruby red Japanese maple in your yard might look nice, but non-native plants like these consistently have fewer caterpillars than native plants, according to new research published in July in Biological Conservation. And that means less food for birds.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/its-true-a-yard-full-of-native-plants-is-a-yard-full-of-well-fed-birds/

Habitat Network, The Nature Conservancy and The Cornell Lab

“This article discusses several tried and true ways people remove lawn. From small patches to whole lawns–these techniques will get you started down the path to less lawn and more…pollinator flower beds? Trees? Shrubs? Veggie Garden? Your imagination is your only limit.”

http://content.yardmap.org/learn/removing-lawn-to-make-way-for-more-habitat/

The best time to sow the seeds of many native plants is during the cooler months

https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2018/Dec-Jan/Gardening/Winter-Gardening/

Gardens are alive. No matter what time of year, if you quietly listen and watch, you will notice the plethora of activity. From budding flowers in the spring to the rustle of withered seedheads in the fall, our gardens are supporting animals of all shapes and sizes. Here’s a secret not all gardeners know–if you choose to be a messy gardener in the fall and winter–the wildlife value of your garden soars.

http://content.yardmap.org/learn/wildlife-value-of-a-messy-garden/