Blog
Learn about native species and ecological landscaping tips from a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
Salt-Tolerant Native Plants for Tough Spaces
Salt has an essential role in winter safety, but it needs to be used sparingly and smartly to protect plants and freshwater. Where salt pollution is present in gardens, use native plants that are adapted to tolerate salty soil conditions. These tough growers can take a lot of abuse, making them ideal for boulevard gardens and rain gardens receiving road runoff. Use them to create habitat and support pollinators in difficult soil conditions!
What’s in a Name: Spring Ephemerals
There are many spring wildflowers, but not all are ephemeral. Spring ephemerals are wildflowers that complete their entire lifecycle before tree leaves fully emerge and create a shady, closed canopy. Ephemeral flowers primarily grow on the forest floor, but some also grow in prairie and savanna habitats.