Natural Communities - Native Plant Knowhow Q&A Blog

Webs of Life: Spring Ephemerals and Early Polli...
Ecosystems are well-balanced, finely tuned wonders of nature. Defined as ‘the complex of a community of organisms and its environment functioning as an ecological unit,’ an ecosystem depends on all...
Webs of Life: Spring Ephemerals and Early Polli...
Ecosystems are well-balanced, finely tuned wonders of nature. Defined as ‘the complex of a community of organisms and its environment functioning as an ecological unit,’ an ecosystem depends on all...

Native Trees are the Best
I have recently seen several articles touting trees such as Bradford Pear and European black alder as easy to grow options for your yard. They are correct. What?????? Well they...
Native Trees are the Best
I have recently seen several articles touting trees such as Bradford Pear and European black alder as easy to grow options for your yard. They are correct. What?????? Well they...

Container & Urban Native Gardens
Question: I have a roof top deck with planters in Chicago. Do you have any native plants that will work in this urban environment? Answer: Laurie, yes I believe...
Container & Urban Native Gardens
Question: I have a roof top deck with planters in Chicago. Do you have any native plants that will work in this urban environment? Answer: Laurie, yes I believe...
Plant Milkweed in the Fall?
Native Plant Conosoure: Hi! I was wondering if milkweed plugs can be planted in the fall, before the first freeze. Thanks! Natural Communities: I would say yes, with one caveat....
Plant Milkweed in the Fall?
Native Plant Conosoure: Hi! I was wondering if milkweed plugs can be planted in the fall, before the first freeze. Thanks! Natural Communities: I would say yes, with one caveat....
Problems With Thistle
Sam --- Nick! Thanks for spending time with me at Green Fair on The Fox about my Thistle issue. Can you refresh my memory about what my treatment options are...
Problems With Thistle
Sam --- Nick! Thanks for spending time with me at Green Fair on The Fox about my Thistle issue. Can you refresh my memory about what my treatment options are...
Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii (Northern Bla...
Likely the single best native plant in the Chicago Region for attracting butterflies, this plant amazes both with it's beautifully intense purple flowers and it's ability to bring in the...
Liatris scariosa var. nieuwlandii (Northern Bla...
Likely the single best native plant in the Chicago Region for attracting butterflies, this plant amazes both with it's beautifully intense purple flowers and it's ability to bring in the...