The derecho, a powerful derecho, struck Cedar Rapids on August 10, 2020, causing widespread damage. The storm ripped through the city, uprooting trees, damaging homes, and leaving behind a landscape of debris. Karen Rawson’s story is a testament to the resilience of Cedar Rapids and its residents. She faced the challenges of the derecho head-on, transforming her yard into a haven of native plants.

The tree’s sudden demise left her with a stark, sun-drenched yard. The loss of the tree was a significant blow to Rawson, who had a deep connection to nature and a strong sense of place. The loss of the bur oak was not just a personal tragedy; it was a loss for the community. The tree had been a landmark, a source of shade and beauty for generations.

She also used the fallen branches to create a rustic, natural-looking fence. The garden is a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, with a focus on edible plants. The garden is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency. The garden is a testament to Rawson’s commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency.

“I’m not old yet but at some point I will be,” Adams said. “I know I’m not going to want to mow the lawn. So maintenance to me is important but then I want it to look beautiful because I love being outside.” How neighbors have reacted Growing native plants is not a summerlong project. It requires starting with a fresh slate, meaning grass and weeds must be smothered. Rawson fast-tracked the growing process by planting plugs as opposed to seeds, which take a few growing seasons to get established and then bloom in full force. Rawson was worried about how her neighbors would react — especially in the early stages as the native plants were trying to take hold.

This is a common phenomenon in many suburban areas, where homeowners are often pressured to maintain a pristine lawn, a symbol of wealth and status. This pressure can be seen in the rise of lawn care services, the popularity of lawn care magazines, and the constant bombardment of advertising for lawn care products. The pressure to maintain a perfect lawn is often linked to the idealized image of the American Dream, which emphasizes homeownership and suburban living.

This exchange of plants, known as plant swapping, is a form of community gardening that fosters a sense of connection and shared responsibility for the environment. The practice of plant swapping has been gaining popularity in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of native plants and the desire to create more sustainable and resilient communities. Plant swapping events are often organized by local environmental groups, community gardens, and even individual gardeners.

Natalie Ross, a landscape architect, chose to use a more sustainable approach by planting meadows from seed. This approach, known as “meadow planting,” involves sowing seeds directly into the ground, allowing the plants to establish themselves naturally. This method is considered more sustainable than traditional lawn care practices, which often involve the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. The meadow planting method is based on the principles of ecological restoration and biodiversity.

* The author’s goal is to create a wildlife-friendly yard. * The author uses a variety of strategies to achieve this goal, including planting non-palatable plants. * The author emphasizes the importance of choosing plants that are not palatable to animals, such as acorns, deer, and rabbits. * The author explains that strong-flavored and rough-textured plants are effective deterrents.

“I’ve been letting nature take its course.” Ross’s approach to gardening is unconventional, to say the least. She’s a self-proclaimed “gardener of chaos,” embracing the wild and untamed beauty of nature. Ross’s yard is a testament to her philosophy. It’s a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, grasses, and native plants, teeming with life.

This is a significant concern because Iowa’s native plants and insects are intricately linked. The loss of native plants directly impacts the insects that rely on them for food and shelter. This is a domino effect that can ripple through the entire ecosystem.

This is a common practice among gardeners who are trying to create a more natural and sustainable garden. Here’s how it works:

1. **Native Plants:** Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. 2.

This is a great example of how cultivar development can create new aesthetic features in plants.

This statement highlights a significant challenge facing the adoption of native plants in the Cedar Rapids area. The lack of readily available, high-quality native plant sources and the absence of clear guidance on how to integrate them into landscapes are major obstacles. Let’s delve deeper into this issue:

“It’s like a team, and each plant has a role to play.”

This statement highlights the importance of plant diversity and its role in creating a healthy ecosystem. A diverse ecosystem is more resilient to disturbances, such as drought, disease, or invasive species. Ross explained that the right combination of plants can create a self-sustaining ecosystem, where plants support each other and create a balanced environment.

Comments: bailey.cichon@thegazette.com