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Writing, designing, & speaking for native plants.
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This has been a very warm fall. November saw far too many days in the 60s and 70s, and in Nebraska at least we're set to head into December in the 50s. Just for the record, I'm stilling planting -- mostly leftovers, and mostly in sunny areas so the soil might stay warmer longer and provide more time for establishment. I'm not really sure how to garden anymore -- and the crescent butterfly I've seen around must be as lost, though I hope it finds the rotting bananas we've placed outside. What's it like in your neck of the woods / prairie?
Highlights
Plant and forget native perennials
(super easy & wildlife loved)
Cool season native grasses and sedge to extend the green season.
Less than 3% of the tallgrass prairies remain, and the mixed and shortgrass prairies may lose 70-90% of their range by 2100. Grasslands store massive amounts of carbon in the soil, filter water, and provide habitat for countless species including pollinators.

If you're ready to prairie up then grab a tee. A portion of every sale will go to support Nebraska nonprofits that work to conserve and restore the prairie ecosystem.
Signed Books Available
It's totally cliche to say this book makes a superb holiday gift. But it does.
Environmental Links
Best woody plants that host caterpillars for bird food (gingko and lilacs provide nothing, while exotic species with native counterparts provide 40% less).
 
In an Iowa controlled greenhouse study of 9 milkweeds, monarch larvae survived best on Asclepias tuberosa and A exaltata.
 
How cities can help rebuild declining bee populations.
 
Thistles -- prickly weed or precious resource?

 
Garden Photo(s) of the Month
A vignette from the backyard lawn to meadow conversion. Autumn #2. Ironweed, smooth aster, little bluestem.
Lespedeza capitata holds on all winter long and provides forage for birds.
Little bluestem seed heads sparkle in the background, while up front aromatic aster brushes the air. Never watered.
We're looking for 20-40 acres in eastern Nebraska to conserve / restore prairie, build a 1 acre 100% native plant demo garden, and host an artist residency program and classes. If you know of any like-minded land owners, please forward this newsletter along or email us!
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M O N A R C H  G A R D E N S, LLC
prairie garden consulting & design
nebraska  |  midwest  |  great plains
Copyright © 2017 Monarch Gardens, All rights reserved.


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