Experience Nature in My Backyard!
Cindy Elliott
Are you in need of some inspiration for your next gardening phase? Are you wondering if any non-native invasives are creeping around your yard? Would you like to observe more pollinators and birds? How about some expert advice on which native perennials would be ideal for your greenspace? A great answer to these questions is to enroll in Nature in My Backyard. Then, sign up for a home visit!
Ever since being introduced to the joint SLGC and Audubon program, Nature in My Backyard, I have been intrigued. It is based on the concept of building biodiversity in each of our personal home green spaces. The website provides a set of unique easy-to-follow DIY tools and resources, https://clevelandaudubon.org/nature-in-my-backyard/.
I regularly visit it to see what resources have been added. Two of the founding leaders of the program, Jane Ellison and Robin Schachat, have spoken at several SLGC meetings. Their passionate commitment to improving the environment to steward birds, pollinators, beneficial insects and wildlife is contagious! I caught the bug!
I first started using the simple checklist tool to improve my yard’s habitat, https://clevelandaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NatureinmyBackyard3.pdf .
I learned to spot and eliminate a few invasive species like lesser celandine, privet, shrub honeysuckle and multiflora rose. New additions to garden beds were heavily weighted to native species highlighted from SLGC programs like Jim McCormac’s Gardening For Moths; Cynthia Druckenbrod’s talks on butterflies and pollinators; and, resources from the Nature in My Backyard site. I added habitat features for birds.
After the third presentation from Jane, I decided to take the plunge and enroll my yard into the program including a home visit. What better way to understand the program than to have experts visit, evaluate and give suggestions! I admit being a bit intimidated when I received Jane’s note that both she and Robin would be coming over one Monday morning!
We begin with an overview of my 2.4 acre lot plan. A local landscaping company had removed masses of barberry and privet a few weeks ago. Native trees and shrubs filled two of the large spaces. As we walk, Jane explains, “Our goal is to achieve 75% of the biomass in the garden to be native. Study the native species that fit the type of area – wet, dry, sunny or shady. Find ones that appeal to you as well as to a variety of wildlife.”
Robin uses her ‘invasive species checklist’ to show me additional elimination opportunities! Robin highlights how to replace invasive species with native species that will proliferate. She comments with amusement, “Replace invasive ‘thugs’ with native ‘thugs’.” A new resource gives a list of ‘How to (Gently) Fight Plants with Plants,
https://clevelandaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NatureinmyBackyard3.pdf .
They share other gardening tips and knowledge along our walk like how to properly prune a few of the pines each spring. Advice is given on how to develop a prioritized 3-5 year plan to continue building a healthy ecosystem. Ideas abound on additional native plantings to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
I immediately order the suggested books (see photo) for inspiration and guidance. I feel fortunate to have so many garden and hort experts in SLGC! Reward yourself and your yard by experiencing Nature in My Backyard! Your garden can make a difference!
