A compact monoculture of grass has been converted into a dense native prairie, with viburnums (whose berries are great for migratory birds), plenty of grasses — bluestem and switch — and an abundance of diverse perennials. This is a delightful joint project in which the owners are involved in the process of learning and working. In case any one needs more convincing on the benefits of native plants, please check out the website of entomologist Doug Tallamy: https://homegrownnationalpark.org

Homegrown National Park, a coin termed by Tallamy, is a call to help regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting natives and creating new pathways for birds and insects to follow. Tallamy argues that our wild habitats are increasingly fragmented, becoming more and more like little islands. As our wild spaces shrink into these “islands," it is necessary to link these spaces by supporting insect and animals in the spaces between, our own yards, our schools, our farmlands  — Tallamy refers to these spaces as “Homegrown National Parks.” Tallamy has an interactive map on his website that tracks each person’s native plant contributions, a way for individuals to see how their part connects to the greater whole. This garden will surely find its way onto Tallamy’s map!