FAQs
-
Yes! I have not added any species to the property that are not considered native to this area. All of the remaining parts of the original garden beds have been cleared of non-native species and replaced with native plants. I am still thinning out invasive species from areas that are not established gardens and working to support the re-growth of native plants here instead.
-
In the last few years it has been easier to procure straight species seedlings from farmer’s markets and native plant sales than in the first year I began working here. Local nurseries have very few native plants but are increasing their sections due to growing demand. However, in my experience I have ended up with a lot of nativars (cultivars of native species) from these sources. This season I am learning how to harvest seeds and save them so I can grow more in my small native nursery. Many of the plants here I grew from seeds responsibly collected and sold by Wild Seed Project.
-
I'm currently enrolled in the BS Environmental Studies program at Unity Environmental University. I have been taking courses for over a year now and decided to create my own course list of horticulture, wildlife conservation, and environmental law courses. The program looks roughly like this for me:
2023 Summer/Fall - Unity courses on climate change, environmental issues
2024 Winter/Spring - Environmental law, natural resource law & policy
2024 Summer/Fall - Biology & Chemistry Pre-reqs (I was an art major! Let's get this STEM going to match the MS degree, ha)
2025 Winter/Spring - Sustainable Horticulture Courses (Plants, Soil, Pest Management, Chemicals). Also some forest ecology & arboriculture courses! *This means I should know what I'm doing by the next growing season!
2025 Summer/Fall - A few Wildlife Conservation Courses
2026 Winter/Spring - Capstone courses & degree completion!
2026 Summer... probably will find something else!
I am also working on a Landscape Design Certificate with Emory University and the Basic Certificate with the Native Plant Trust.
-
Absolutely, yes! It started with loam deliveries filling the driveway and unloading carfuls of plants. Now I’m working on a degree and there’s a website and social media account involved. This is probably out of control.