Visiting Mt. Cuba

For those who participated in the Summer Twilight Tour at Mt. Cuba last Thursday evening, what did you see and what did you enjoy most about the tour? Please share your thoughts, and even your pictures (send to blog@habitatresourcenetwork.org) with those of us who were not able to share the adventure in person.

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While we wait for your feedback, take the time to read the article "A landscape ablaze: Colorful perennials herald the start of summer" featured in Nature's Landscape which is a monthly column presented by Mt. Cuba. This particular article was written by Rick J. Lewandowski, director of Mt. Cuba Center, and it's focus is on a few of the native flowers that are currently in full bloom right now! Enjoy the read:

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http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090625/LIFE/906250318/1005%26referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL
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ps - Thank you Peg for sharing the link above!

Paying Tribute

The link below will take you to the obituary for Craig Tufts, chief naturalist for NWF. His work over the years at NWF is a basis for the mission of our own local efforts, to create and preserve the native habitats in our backyards & communities.

Thank you Craig!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/24/AR2009062403079.html

Pond Plans

I generously received a pond form a couple of years ago from a fellow native plant enthusiast who had decided that she would prefer a larger pond. This was exactly what I was looking for; the right shape, size and style. Unfortunately, it would require a great deal of digging, which meant I needed not only the time to dedicate to this project, but also the physical ability to accomplish the task in a timely manner once started.

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Well, the time has finally arrived. The hole was dug between breaks in the clouds...could it possibly rain anymore! It is in the ground though it still requires the addition more soil around the lower side (it was placed on a slope), and then I can get the pump and filter in place and fill it with water. Needless to say, I'm excited, but during the process I have realized something...

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I do not know a thing about native plants for ponds! So there is definitely some research to be done.

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In the meantime, if anyone has some good suggestions for plants native to SE PA that would do well in a small pond (approx. 250 gallons) and could share some resources for purchasing these plants, it would most appreciated! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Lowe's Is Making Progress

Who knew that Lowe's was now advertising "Native Plant" varieties? (Look for the large native plant tag hanging from each pot) Not to mention providing some information on natives vs. invasives on their internet Library...

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http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/PlantsGoneBad.html

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It's a start. We need to keep requesting native plant selections from our local garden centers. When they receive enough requests, they will listen!!!