Tag: garden

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Michigan Wetland Plants

Western Michigan falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5a to 6a, which means we have a moderately cool climate with cold winters.

Here are some native wetland plants suitable for our region:

Willow Species (Salix spp.)

Various willow species are well-adapted to wetland conditions.
They provide habitat, stabilize soil, and some have attractive weeping forms.


Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

This perennial plant has attractive spikes of blue-purple flowers and thrives in wetland areas.

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Known for its stunning blue-purple flowers, this iris species is well-suited for wet soils and adds a touch of elegance to wetland areas.

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

A great choice for attracting butterflies, swamp milkweed produces clusters of pink to mauve flowers and thrives in moist conditions.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

With its striking red flowers, cardinal flower adds a vibrant splash
of color to wetland areas and attracts hummingbirds.

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

This tall, native perennial has clusters of pink to purplish flowers and provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators.

Bluejoint Grass (Calamagrostis canadensis)

A native grass that is well-suited for wetland conditions,
providing habitat and stabilization for the soil.

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

This aromatic plant is often found in wetlands and has grass-like foliage.
It can tolerate a variety of wet soil conditions.

Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Besides its attractive red stems, this shrub provides habitat and adds visual interest to wetland areas.

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

A shrub with clusters of white flowers and later dark purple berries,
elderberry is beneficial for wildlife and can tolerate wet soils.

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Herb Spiral

Grow lots of herbs in a small space!

Credit: Permaculture Research Institute

A Herb Spiral is a vertical garden design that consists of a raised, spiraling structure with various planting levels. The spiral shape allows for different microclimates, enabling a variety of herbs to be grown in a compact space. Herbs with similar water and sunlight needs are planted in corresponding areas of the spiral, making it an efficient and visually appealing way to cultivate a diverse herb garden.

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Keyhole Gardens

Credit: Insteading.com

A keyhole garden is a raised garden bed with a central composting basket, shaped like a keyhole when viewed from above. It’s designed to maximize growing space and conserve water, often used in areas with limited resources. The central compost basket provides nutrients to the surrounding soil, promoting sustainable and efficient gardening.