This is the beginning of a blog from the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains about native and adaptable plants, why they matter, how to utilize them in a landscape, and the beauty of the prairies. We want to have conversations and provide you an opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions about gardening and landscaping in harsh climates. This blog will provide you with valuable information to help you in your endeavors. The right information and the right perspectives can make all the difference in your own landscape. Aldo Leopold stated, “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise”.
Our mission is to promote through education and stewardship, the conservation and use of plants native and adaptable to Kansas. That simple statement addresses the important concepts that will guide our content and conversations:
- Education about the natural world around us along with planning, designing, planting and management of a prairie landscape
- Stewardship of the land with best management practices and the proper use of our resources,
- Conservation of native plants and how to integrate native and adaptable plants in beautiful, artistic ways into a home or business landscape.
I will share my 17 years of experience as Horticulturist at the arboretum with you. Hopefully, my successes and failures can help you along the way. I have killed plenty of plants over the years. I have also learned a few principles that make beautiful gardens. This new platform is a great way for us to learn together. You can help me and I can help you become better stewards of the land. Someone once said, “If it was easy it would be called growing, not gardening.” Maybe we can make it easy for you and for me.
How do you use native plants in your landscape? What plants have you had success growing?
Posted by Scott Vogt, Executive Director, Horticulturist