By Jennifer Bass, Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties

“It Seemed the Natural Thing to Do!”

When I was growing up, I lived on a farm with a large yard and two wonderful timbers. My mother had many flower beds with some natives and walks in the timbers to find flowers, each spring was a day of delight.

When we moved to where we now live, we had shade and more shade. The MANY bushes in our yard were so old and not full. Having them removed and adding shade plants seemed logical. After the bushes were gone, I had some native plants that had been shaded and never amounted to much and I had not seen them. It was a delight to see bluebells, trillium, wild ginger, bloodroot, columbine and more appear.

It was also about this time I began to work with the Jubilee Prairie Dawgs and learn more about native plants and their value. I also began to do a lot of reading and I thought it would be great to create a “mini national park” in my yard, as Doug Tallamy would encourage.

After taking out a tree I had some sun! We planted a new tree near the area, but I now had an area to add natives which have bloomed and multiplied. When I heard about the Conservation@Home program, I thought I would like to do this! I began to assess my year and each category and I found I would qualify, so I signed up for a visit from a team.

It was great to walk through my yard with the C@H team and talk about my yard, how I created an area for not only my enjoyment but most importantly the benefit of wildlife. I have seen more butterflies, bees, and new species of birds visiting my garden. The deer love visiting and walking around sometimes stopping for a snack. People walk by and ask questions, my neighbor enjoys seeing blooms from spring until a hard frost, and the children even want to help and often ask questions.

As I opened my National Wildlife magazine this week the quote on the front page is, “We have to keep native plants on the landscape, because they are our life support system.” I know my small yard has proven so because of the increase in animal, insect, and bird population and the joyful comments I have received. I know it is a positive support system for me for the delight and well-being I feel as I work and the pleasure it brings to others.

Think about a spot where you might create a natural garden, watch for plant sales, dig in the soil and create a bit of a natural park in your yard. Share a lifeline for your neighbors, animals, birds, and insects.