The article from our blog highlights the benefits of pairing ornamental grasses with native perennials. It emphasizes how these pairings offer water-efficient, low-maintenance solutions while creating ecologically harmonious landscapes supporting local wildlife and promoting soil stabilization and stormwater management. Different grass and perennial pairings are suggested for various landscapes, including wet areas, meadows, prairies, erosion control, and bioswales.

This post introduces our "Perennial Solutions Bloom Chart," which showcases the bloom times and colors of native perennials. These perennials bring vibrant, seasonal beauty and ecological benefits like attracting pollinators, improving soil health, and supporting biodiversity. The chart helps in designing sustainable landscapes by pairing perennials with ornamental grasses, offering low-maintenance and water-efficient plantings for various settings. The chart also emphasizes how these plants can contribute to a thriving ecosystem throughout the seasons.

Bouteloua gracilis is a drought-tolerant, low-growing native prairie grass; reaches 1' when flowers hover above. Acts as a ground cover when planted close together and is often used as an alternative to traditional lawns (can be mowed occasionally). Thrives in full sun and dry conditions.

Vernonia noveboracensis is a tall, rugged perennial with deep purple flower clusters that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. It thrives in full sun, wet soils, and is ideal for rain gardens and prairie plantings, while being deer-resistant and tolerant of various soil types, adding both ecological and visual value to landscapes.

This HGTV article highlights the most popular native plants from all 50 U.S. states. It showcases a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that are well-adapted to local climates and ecosystems. Each state's featured plant is celebrated for its ecological benefits, aesthetic appeal, and suitability for sustainable gardening. The article encourages using native plants to boost biodiversity and create landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

The article from A Way to Garden features Richard Hayden, the director of horticulture at New York's High Line, sharing lessons on naturalistic gardening. He discusses the importance of plant communities, seasonality, and creating landscapes that mimic nature. Hayden emphasizes the use of native plants, careful maintenance strategies, and the benefits of designing gardens that support biodiversity while maintaining beauty throughout the year.

This article from Homes & Gardens explores a variety of tall perennial flowers that can add height, color, and structure to garden landscapes. It features plants such as hollyhocks, delphiniums, and sunflowers, offering guidance on how to incorporate them into different garden designs. The article also provides tips on growing conditions, maintenance, and the ecological benefits of these towering blooms, making it a great resource for thlooking to create visually striking and sustainable spaces.

This article from House Digest provides tips on attracting sparrows to your landscape by using native plants and creating a welcoming habitat. It explains how sparrows thrive in environments with dense shrubbery, native grasses, and seed-producing plants. The article highlights specific plants that offer food and shelter for sparrows, while also emphasizing the importance of water sources and safe nesting areas to support these birds.

This article from Bob Vila explores the use of ornamental grasses in landscaping, highlighting their versatility, low maintenance needs, and visual appeal. It covers different types of grasses, their growing requirements, and how they can add texture, color, and movement to gardens. The article also discusses how these grasses can be used to create privacy, control erosion, and support wildlife in a landscape.

This article from the Smithsonian highlights the importance of grasslands, covering 40% of the Earth's surface and providing habitat for diverse wildlife. It explains how grasslands are resilient yet vulnerable to climate change and human interference, and stresses the impact of restoration efforts, like bringing back bison populations. The article also explores how fencing disrupts wildlife migrations, and why understanding grasslands' resilience is key to their preservation.

The article from The Prairie Ecologist discusses the importance of maintaining diverse habitat types within grassland ecosystems to support various plant and animal species. It highlights how land management techniques, like grazing and controlled burns, create shifting mosaics of habitats. This diversity is essential for species survival, resilience, and adaptability to changing conditions. The article emphasizes the dynamic nature of prairies and how thoughtful management helps preserve ecological balance.

The PBS short film The Prairie Preacher: Preserving Appalachia's Grasslands follows efforts to conserve and restore Appalachian grasslands, a historically overlooked but vital ecosystem. The film highlights the work of Dr. Dwayne Estes, a botanist who earned his nickname for his passionate advocacy of grassland conservation. It showcases the beauty of this rare landscape and advocates for its preservation amid modern environmental challenges.

This EPA article discusses the social benefits of green infrastructure, highlighting its role in improving public health, enhancing community resilience, and fostering social interaction. Green infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens and green roofs, help mitigate urban heat, improve air quality, and manage stormwater, while also creating green spaces that enhance neighborhood aesthetics and provide recreational opportunities. These initiatives contribute to stronger, healthier, and more cohesive communities.

The article from Columbia Climate School advocates for the development of climate-resilient infrastructure to address the growing impacts of climate change. It stresses the importance of incorporating nature-based solutions, such as wetlands and green spaces, into infrastructure projects to enhance urban resilience. The article also highlights the economic, environmental, and social benefits of investing in sustainable infrastructure, calling for proactive efforts to prepare cities for extreme weather events and rising temperatures.

The article from American City & County highlights the top 10 most sustainable U.S. cities, based on initiatives like cycling infrastructure, recycling programs, and green space development. These cities are recognized for their efforts to reduce environmental impact, enhance urban livability, and promote sustainable practices. The article showcases how urban planning and policies are evolving to meet sustainability goals, helping to create greener and more resilient communities.