Thread-waisted Wasps – the genus Sphex

Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) on native buckwheatGardeners are learning to appreciatethe diversity of nativepollinators, in part due to the activities of National Pollinator Week (the 3rdweek in June).  To learn more aboutpollinators in general, see our June 2013 posting (http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2013/06/life-friendly-gardening-planning-for.html).Amongthe...

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Sustainable Living: Foraging for Native Plant Foods in Your Own Backyard

Sustainable foraging for native dye plants in the garden Interestin the edible, medicinal and other uses of native plants has grown dramaticallyin the past five years. Mother Nature’s Backyard has played a role in this. Our‘California Gourmet’ and ‘Garden Crafts’ series specifically promote the use ofCalifornia native plants.Nativeplants play an important role in living...

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Plant of the Month (June) : California everlasting – Pseudognaphalium californicum

California everlasting (Pseudognaphalium californicum) in Mother Nature's Garden of HealthSomeplants remain where you plant them; others move around in the garden.  The movers are those plants – often annualsor perennials – that re-seed where ever conditions are suitable.  Rather than fighting it, we let the moverspop up (within reason) in different places each year,...

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