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Native Garden Tour 2022
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE!
On Saturday, July 9, 2022, the Wild Ones Kettle Moraine Chapter was proud to host a tour for the public of some of our members' native gardens. The 2022 Native Garden Tour showcased four private gardens in the Eagle area of Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE!
After purchasing tickets and receiving a map, participants drove a short distance to each of the tour sites. Participants were able to:
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Take in the spectacular view of a rolling prairie restoration.
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Catch some shade under a towering oak, a keystone species helping to sustain all forms of native life.
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Enjoy the native butterflies, bees and other pollinators that depend on our native plants to survive.
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Delight in the birds attracted to the food sources provided by native plants.
One of our tour sites was featured in the 7-3-2022 Milwaukee Journal: I Saw How a Yard Could Be.
The Native Garden Tour provided an invitation for gardeners and homeowners to share and learn about the beauty and conservation opportunities a native garden naturally provides. Continue to learn more by joining Wild Ones: wildones.org/join/
Questions? Contact kmwildones@gmail.com
Native Gardens On Tour
Fox Chase Suburban Prairie
In 2017, a landscaper suggested prairie plant beds curving through a 1/2 acre property in a subdivision that long ago had been native prairie and more recently was farmland. The owners agreed and roughly half of the yard was seeded with several mixtures for wildflowers and short and tall prairies. Now in their sixth year, the prairie beds provide changing color and texture. They also support wildlife, including butterflies and bees, hummingbirds and goldfinches. Native trees and shrubs are still establishing and will further enhance the quality of this small but useful habitat area.
Birdscaping Bounty
When purchased, this 18 acre property was in rotational cultivation of soybeans and corn. Heavy use of pesticides had eradicated the insects. There were no birds and the soil had zero organic matter. A mound system prairie was planted first to attract pollinators and butterflies. Next, berrying shrubs and trees were added for cover and food. The landscaping around the house was gradually replaced with native shrubs and plants. As a result, the homeowners have been rewarded with multiple species of birds, butterflies and insects!
Eagle’s Aire Suburban Native
Minimal landscaping was on this four acre lot when this home was purchased. Part of an old farm field that had been cleared for a subdivision in the mid-1990’s, all topsoil had been removed and undesirable plants had moved in.
Years of projects allowed this property to evolve into a beneficial haven for birds, butterflies, insects, and other wildlife. Preparations have been made to add another acre of low prairie to the current established prairie. This new section will be ready for a fall planting. The homeowner will share the lessons learned of what to plant--natives--and what not to plant--oregano and other invasives!
Bryn Ayr Prairies
Explore three+ acres of native prairie, home to a myriad of beneficial pollinators and insects. This glacially-formed land was a farm field for decades before the current homeowners planted three distinct prairies at five-year intervals, starting in 2000. The landscape provides habitat--food, water, shelter--for local wildlife, including sandhill cranes. The homeowners can share plant identifications, methods of preparing land and establishing a prairie, along with care and maintenance techniques. A woodland edge adjoining the prairies has been the focus of recent restoration work and offers views of shade-loving native plants.
Bonus Tour
Eagle Nature Trail
Located behind the Eagle Municipal Building, discover a unique small property with prairie, woodland and ephemeral pond. Restoration began in 2009.
Open to the public year round, dawn to dusk.