RISK YARD
901 N. Delphia
Years ago, Paula and I discovered the restorative power of the area's forest preserves. Walking through the prairies and oak woodlands along the North Branch of the Chicago River had a calming effect on us. These same ecosystems are the subject of William Stevens’ classic on environmental restoration, Miracle Under the Oaks. They represent some of the world’s last remaining Grade A tallgrass prairie.
When Paula and I realized we shared a deep passion for native plants, we began volunteering with the North Branch Restoration Project.
There, we met Heidi Natura—a fellow volunteer and professional landscape architect. Together, we designed a natural garden guided by a few key principles:
In total, we’ve planted over 1,100 native perennials and shrubs. Many, like American Hazelnut and Haas American Cranberrybush, provide fruit and seed for birds. Others, including three species of milkweed, support butterflies. Since planting our little prairie yard, we’ve spotted Ovenbirds, Swainson’s Thrushes, and endangered Monarchs.
Every other spring, we leave fallen leaves and tree cuttings as natural ground cover. We don’t water, and we don’t use herbicides—with one exception: never plant balsam ragwort (Packera paupercula). The only way to get rid of the damn stuff is with Roundup!
When we had to remove some diseased spruce trees, we replaced them with beautiful native Swamp White Oaks.
The garden is still evolving. Like any gardener, we plant, prune, and thin. But what we’re growing is more than a garden. It’s a micro-ecosystem—shaped by 10,000 years of evolution—and a gift to the future.
Years ago, Paula and I discovered the restorative power of the area's forest preserves. Walking through the prairies and oak woodlands along the North Branch of the Chicago River had a calming effect on us. These same ecosystems are the subject of William Stevens’ classic on environmental restoration, Miracle Under the Oaks. They represent some of the world’s last remaining Grade A tallgrass prairie.
When Paula and I realized we shared a deep passion for native plants, we began volunteering with the North Branch Restoration Project.
There, we met Heidi Natura—a fellow volunteer and professional landscape architect. Together, we designed a natural garden guided by a few key principles:
- We would use native plants that have evolved to thrive in drought, torrential rain, clay soils, and harsh Chicago winters.
- We wouldn’t rely on pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers (more on that in a moment…).
- Paula loves the movement and texture of tall grasses, so we chose species that sway beautifully in the wind across all seasons.
- To attract birds and butterflies, we planted with food sources and habitat in mind.
- And we wanted the garden to be beautiful, interesting throughout the growing season, and easy to maintain.
In total, we’ve planted over 1,100 native perennials and shrubs. Many, like American Hazelnut and Haas American Cranberrybush, provide fruit and seed for birds. Others, including three species of milkweed, support butterflies. Since planting our little prairie yard, we’ve spotted Ovenbirds, Swainson’s Thrushes, and endangered Monarchs.
Every other spring, we leave fallen leaves and tree cuttings as natural ground cover. We don’t water, and we don’t use herbicides—with one exception: never plant balsam ragwort (Packera paupercula). The only way to get rid of the damn stuff is with Roundup!
When we had to remove some diseased spruce trees, we replaced them with beautiful native Swamp White Oaks.
The garden is still evolving. Like any gardener, we plant, prune, and thin. But what we’re growing is more than a garden. It’s a micro-ecosystem—shaped by 10,000 years of evolution—and a gift to the future.
