Comments on: Backyard Projects for 2010

By: Alison Kerr

Alison Kerr — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:45:03 +0000

Oh good, butterfly weed is much better than butterfly bush. Native milkweeds are great plants. Just don’t let kids eat them or put them in their mouths, they are unsafe.
.-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Companion Planting Doesn’t Work! =-.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:33:38 +0000

Like minds! We spent this morning drawing up plans for our spring garden, and last week we planted bulbs in the beds nearest our house. I am so excited for spring to finally get here!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Bad mama =-.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:46:14 +0000

I can definitely understand your need to plan for spring! I’ve been thinking about what we’ll be planting this year. Your land reminds me a lot of Maine. I’m going to look up the butterfly weed. It sounds pretty and I’d love to attract more butterflies.

By: se7en

se7en — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:14:42 +0000

Oh your projects sound so fun, I love plotting and planning!!!
.-= se7en´s last blog ..This Week (25 January) At Se7en… =-.

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:44:33 +0000

Ahhh…..if only I didn’t live in the dessert!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Lest You Think We’re All About Pretty Hair Around Here……. =-.

By: Jaimie

Jaimie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:36:26 +0000

Those look like really great plans. I’ve never heard of a milkweed garden before. I’m off to read about it.
.-= Jaimie´s last blog ..I Was a Mom Before I Was a Mom =-.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:31:25 +0000

oops… thank you.. I really did mean butterfly WEED- it’s in the milkweed family and has bright orange flowers and has mysteriously and miraculously appeared in my garden. here’s a picture for other readers (I’d bet you already know what it looks like).
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed/21/21.4.html
I am not a fan of butterfly bush either.. can’t believe that typo.. gues I was going for writing in 30 mins! Thanks again!

By: Alison Kerr

Alison Kerr — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:28:05 +0000

Shannon, I love your idea of the nature path and the milkweed garden. However, I would encourage you to find a native alternative to butterfly bush.

While butterfly bush is great for nectar, it does not provide for the larvae of any butterflies. Larvae need leaves to feed on and they won’t use a non-native. Butterfly bush is also invasive in some states and has the potential to replace native shrubs to the detriment of local wildlife.
.-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..3/50 Supporting Local Business =-.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:10:34 +0000

MJ- A great resource for a new garden is Square Foot Gardening. It outlines a great way to grow lots of food in a small space and gives really clear steps to do it. I think they have a website. There’s lots of info out there, but following SFG is a great way to start. Then you’ll find your own way.

By: Mendy

Mendy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:08:13 +0000

Wow, you are a very productive woman. I wish I had your energy, and your backyard for that matter. It’s so good when we have a passion that reflects some of the good things in the world back to others.

Saw your link at the Steady Mom blog challenge.

Sincerely,

Mendy
.-= Mendy´s last blog ..Defying gravity is hard =-.