Here I am sniffing a Milkweed flower at Lucas House last summer.
I don’t need a Groundhog to tell me we’ll face six more weeks of winter in this part of the world. Sorry if that’s shocking news.
Groundhogs wake up from their torpor for a bit in early February. They use the time to go dating (Groundhog Tinder?). They want to see if there are any suitable mates in the ‘hood ready for when they next wake up in March.
As every Groundhog knows, February marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the equinox. It’s getting lighter…and that process will accelerate.
Since I started Grounded, I’ve become more in tune with the seasons. Not only do I notice the phenology of plants (when they leaf out, bloom, seed, etc) but I also notice the rhythm of the year as a whole.
That connection with the planet spinning through space makes me feel better. I know I’m part of something larger.
Indeed, knowing our place in the world – as part of nature, not separate from it – is a cornerstone of how we see things at Grounded.
We are nature. Gardening for life.
The Groundhog awake for Valentine’s already knows this. We’re relearning this truth.
Simon
I’m looking for a right-hand man or woman to work with me at Grounded this summer. It’s an ideal job for a student!
Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested.
I hear a lot of myths. Here’s the reality. Read more.
All about shorelines
A look at shoreline naturalization: why it’s important and how to do it. Read more.
Today’s recommended reading
The High Line in winter: I love these pictures of The High Line in its dormant season. But there’s more to this than mere eye-candy – there’s so much to learn from this New York masterpiece for the work we do up here. Read more.
Planting right: More winter pictures, this time from the legendary Roy Diblik, proving that the way naturalistic landscapers plant is the best way to do it. So there! Read more.
Seeing the wood for the trees: An excellent article on legibility in naturalistic landscape design. Being able to “read” a garden helps us feel comfortable with it. Read more.
What plant is that? If, like me, you find shrubs hard to identify, here’s a good primer. Read more.
More birdies and eagles: What happens to golf courses after the last ball is sunk? It seems that for many, rewilding is par for the course. Read more.
Don’t chuck Woodchuck! With Groundhog Day tomorrow, here’s how to live happily with Woodchucks. (Spoiler alert: they’re blamed for things they shouldn’t be blamed for and are actually quite nice.) Read more.
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I’ve updated my guide to natural gardens in Haliburton County and surrounding areas.
I’ve put together some information “cards” about native plants. These are plants I use in my designs.
Today let’s look at Bur-reed Sedge.
Barking up the right tree
Birch trees look wonderful any time of the year, but perhaps never more so than in winter when their white bark rhymes with the white snow.
And as you can see in the second picture, they’re pretty loving, too!
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From the socials
This landscape design might not be to everyone’s taste… but I think it’s the future for commercial locations. When I look at this I see the seamless blend of human-made architecture, human-designed landscapes and nature.
I think this is the way forward: stewarding the best of nature in all our endeavours.
