Foraging Wild Plants in a Human Dominated Landscape

Ramps in early spring. UWExtension In April, my friend Laura brought me some ramps—not just parts, but the entire plant, broad, smooth leaves, small, shallot-size bulbs, roots and all. I know she wouldn’t go out in the local forest preserves and dig them up, foraging or poaching, depending upon your perspective. So where did she get them? Her CSA has begun growing them. Because they were intact, neither of us ate them, but planted them in our respective gardens, watered them in well, and are hoping for the best. I did remember to mark where I’d put them, luckily, because the leaves soon faded away and disappeared, as happens with many species of spring ephemerals. I’ve never eaten ramps that I know of, though I hear they’re delicious. I know where they grow, at several undisclosed locations, but they are on forest preserve land, and a strict no-poaching policy is in place. As such I would not go harvesting against the rules, partly because, as a volunteer steward, I have engaged to fol...

Free Webinar: Native Bees in the Garden




I'll be talking about native bees from a gardener's perspective online Sunday, June 14 at 2:30 pm CDT. Excited to be part of West Cook Wild Ones' series of monthly talks! 

Did you know that the Chicago area has some 480 species of native bees? Many of these species are understudied and some appear to be in decline. Research shows, however, that urban areas can be a great refuge for them. Come and learn about the fascinating biology and life cycles of native bees and how you can provide habitat in your garden. 


 



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