Hello More Than Gardeners,Â
It’s almost February and thankfully the temperatures are holding up. It might feel like your garden has gone completely dormant. However, there’s still plenty to observe, care for, and plan during this time. Here are a few announcements and tips to help you stay engaged with your garden and and Nature itself this season:
Announcements:
We’re currently booking early consultations for spring projects! Whether you’re thinking about a new design, planting, or an eco-friendly upgrade, now is the perfect time to start planning.
Stay tuned for our upcoming workshop on creating sustainable landscapes—we’re excited to share tips and inspiration with you soon!
Timely Winter Gardening Tips:
Keep an Eye on Your Trees and Shrubs:Â Heavy snow and ice can cause damage. Brush off excess snow gently with a broom to prevent branches from breaking.
Look for Animal Activity: Winter is a critical time for local wildlife. Check your property for signs of animals—like rabbits or deer—that might be nibbling on bark or stems. Consider adding protective wraps or barriers to vulnerable plants.
Check for Winter Weeds:Â Believe it or not, some invasive weeds continue to grow through winter. Take a moment to inspect garden beds on milder days.
Assess Drainage Issues:Â Snow melt can reveal areas where water pools or drains poorly. Identifying these spots now can help you plan for spring fixes like rain gardens or improved grading
Plan for the Future: Use this time to dream big for your garden. Whether it’s adding native plants, creating better pollinator habitats, or designing a beautiful feature, winter is the perfect time to strategize for the growing season.
Winter is also a great opportunity to reflect on the joy your garden has brought to your life and consider new ways to make it even more sustainable and fulfilling in the year ahead.
Having Exotic Plants ResponsiblyÂ
Did you know that humans have been using and migrating plants across regions since the beginning of time? While native plants play a critical role in supporting local ecosystems, it’s also possible to enjoy exotic plants responsibly—ensuring they don’t harm the environment.
At More Than Gardens, we encourage mindful practices when incorporating exotic plants into your home or garden. Here are some tips to get the best of both worlds:
Keep Exotic Plants Indoors or in Planters:Â Houseplants and contained planters are perfect for exotic species, reducing their chances of spreading into natural ecosystems.
Prevent Seed Spread:Â After exotic plants flower, trim them before they set seed to avoid unintentional spreading to nearby natural areas.
Make Educated Planting Decisions:Â Be a responsible land steward by understanding the needs and potential risks of exotic plants before introducing them to your property.
By managing your land mindfully and incorporating science-backed strategies, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of exotic plants while contributing to a thriving, balanced ecosystem.
Do you need help creating a mindful garden or landscape?
Reach out to us today! We’re here to guide you in cultivating a garden that’s both beautiful and ecologically sustainable.
Together, we can create spaces that harmonize human needs with nature’s well-being.
Warm regards,
Agatha
More Than Gardens Inc.
Hello More Than Gardeners,
Spring is just around the corner—only about 60 days away! While time seems to be flying, there’s no time to waste when it comes to preparing for a better, healthier environment. These uncertain times for the planet require all of us to take action now to promote sustainable, ecological practices that ensure a clean and thriving future for our families and communities.
Start Planning Now for Your Best Garden Yet!
Now is the perfect time to start planning for a garden that’s not only beautiful but also sustainable. Here at More Than Gardens, we’ve been busy:
Listing seeds to buy.
Designing fresh garden beds.
Allocating plants for shopping lists.
Developing a new and more complete care guide for after-planting instructions.
Launching our new YouTube channel! Check it out here.
When spring arrives, we’ll be ready to create our best gardens yet. (I say this every year, but somehow, every year it gets better!) If you need help planning your garden or have big ideas you want to bring to life, now’s the time.
Spread the Knowledge!
Do you know a library, community group, or club interested in learning about:
Native plants?
Ecological landscaping practices?
Building resilient, planet-friendly gardens?
I would be honored to share my knowledge and passion with them. Together, we can inspire others to make meaningful changes, one property at a time.
Invasive Plants: This Week’s Focus
Invasive plants pose a significant threat to natural ecosystems. They choke out native species, disrupt habitats, and alter soil health. While quick fixes like herbicides are tempting, they often cause more harm than good. This week, we’re focusing on sustainable, effective methods to remove invasive plants from your property.
1. Manual Removal
Physically digging up invasive plants by the roots ensures the entire plant—including the root system—is removed, preventing regrowth. This method is especially effective for smaller areas or species with shallow roots.
Why it’s better:
No harmful chemicals are introduced.
Complete control over what is removed, reducing risk to native plants.
An excellent way to inspect soil health and learn about your garden’s ecosystem.
Tips:
Use tools like a digging fork or root wrench for stubborn plants.
Remove plants when the soil is moist for easier extraction.
2. Fire Removal
Controlled burns can eliminate invasive plants, particularly grasses or woody species. Fire removes above-ground biomass, weakens plants, and returns nutrients like nitrogen to the soil.
Why it’s better:
Mimics natural processes, benefiting fire-adapted native species.
Avoids chemical use and reduces invasive seed banks in the soil.
Tips:
Consult professionals and obtain necessary permits.
Works best in open areas away from structures.
3. Repeated Cutting or Grazing
Repeatedly cutting back invasive plants prevents them from flowering and seeding. Goats or sheep can also graze on invasive species in difficult-to-access areas.
Why it’s better:
Eliminates the need for herbicides.
Grazing animals contribute to soil fertility.
Safe for surrounding plants and the ecosystem.
Tips:
Cut plants during their growing season but before seeding.
Monitor grazing to avoid damage to native plants.
4. Smothering
Cover invasive plants with tarps, cardboard, mulch, or other materials to block sunlight and prevent photosynthesis. Over time, the lack of sunlight kills the plants.
Why it’s better:
No harmful chemicals are used.
Mulching adds organic material as it decomposes.
Tips:
Use thick materials that block light completely.
Be patient; smothering can take weeks or months.
Why Sustainable Methods Matter
While chemical herbicides may seem like a quick fix, they can harm the ecosystem, leach into water sources, and kill beneficial organisms. Sustainable methods prioritize:
Environmental health:Â Protecting soil microorganisms, water quality, and wildlife.
Safety:Â Avoiding harmful residues for current and future land users.
Biodiversity:Â Promoting the health of native plants and ecosystems.
By choosing sustainable methods, your garden can become a haven for native biodiversity, supporting a thriving natural ecosystem.
Coming Next Week
We’ll explore how to incorporate exotic plants into your garden in ways that are safe for the environment—without planting them directly in the soil!
Let’s Connect
While the season is still slow, I’d love to chat with you—over tea or email. Let’s discuss how we can work together to make your garden thrive in harmony with nature.
Warmly,
Agatha
Founder, More Than Gardens
Creating ecological landscapes for a sustainable future
Wishing you a year full of joy, resilience, health, and prosperity! As we step into this new year, our mission remains steadfast: to promote the health of our soil and lead a nature revolution—starting right in our own backyards.
We’re thrilled to be back in the office this week, ready to dive into designs, consultations, and Spring planning. While Winter often feels like a quieter time, we know how quickly it can pass when we stay busy, so let’s get to work!
Spring Garden Projects: Book Now
We’re already booking Spring garden maintenance and installation projects. If you have ecological ideas or dreams for your property, now is the perfect time to reach out. The more time we have to plan, the better the results! Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life.
Empowering Change Through Gardening
This year, let’s focus on transforming our spaces into thriving habitats for both people and nature. Organic gardening allows us to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature with peace of mind, producing fresh food and resources you won’t find anywhere else.
Ecological and sustainable practices are essential resolutions for 2025, as our planet needs urgent care. Together, we can make a difference. Here are some simple yet impactful steps you can take to create a healthier, more resilient environment:
Reduce your lawn:Â Create garden beds and plant diverse species.
Plant natives:Â Support local wildlife and pollinators.
Eliminate invasives:Â Remove plants that disrupt ecosystems.
Harvest rainwater:Â Practice sustainable watering methods.
Go organic:Â Eliminate toxins from your garden.
Compost:Â Nourish the soil with natural waste.
Avoid harmful chemicals:Â Say no to weed killers and pesticides.
Use manual or electric tools:Â Reduce emissions by avoiding gas-powered tools.
Grow your own food:Â Cultivate independence and fresh produce.
Shop local:Â Support sustainable businesses in your community.
Remember, these changes don’t need to happen all at once. Start small, and watch as they grow into something much bigger. Your garden is part of a larger ecosystem, and the choices you make can have a profound, positive impact. Birds, pollinators, and other natural helpers will amplify your efforts, spreading change far beyond your backyard.
The change begins with you! Here’s to a 2025 filled with positive transformation and meaningful connections.
We look forward to seeing you in the garden soon!
