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May 16 - 23
Yardology
You don't need a team of horses, or even a mule, to turn your yard into an agricultural paradise and wildlife observatory.Your backyard can be more than just an area you need to mow on Saturdays. Even on a small lot in a congested suburban area, you can grow enough food to put away dozens of quarts of delicious homegrown produce for consumption throughout the year. And it is fascinating to take note of the wide variety of wildlife with which you share your domain. You may even want to invite more!
How does your garden grow?Shawna Bengivenni grows flowers to protect her organically grown garden in Wantage.
Local gardeners generally consider mid-May the frost-free line for our region -- the target time for getting vulnerable plants in the garden. Everyone can grow their own veggies in garden plots, raised beds, deck planters or any small space. Here are some great tips on how to grow your best garden in Mary Jasch's best (and easiest) veggie garden primer.
Seed to Stem
Roughly seventy true lettuce heirlooms and a mosaic of varieties make this leafy annual of the aster family far from ordinary. It is great for you, delicious, accessible, easy to grow with varieties to harvest in every season in Skylands territory. Start now!
Pollinator Paradise
This pelecinid wasp resting on ticktrefoil is about 2.5” long. But she parasitizes white grubs in the soil (June beetle grubs). She is a beneficial insect who is entirely unaggressive and ignores humans completely.
Insects are critical components of any natural area. Gardeners have become increasingly aware that, if you want wildlife in our gardens, you must support all life stages, year ‘round. With the fragmented state of our natural areas, wildlife relies on our gardens, yards, fields, hedgerows, and woodlots to survive. When using native plants in a landscape, you help recreate functioning ecosystems to support the wonderful wildlife that, in fact, needs us to survive. Learn more!
You can play a crucial role in enhancing the local environment and supporting wildlife conservation efforts by qualifying your own green space as a Certified Wildlife Habitat!
Edible Landscapes
Asian pears can be a beautiful and delicious addition to your backyard. (Gina Barkovitch)
Add to your backyard menu with an orchard, and your plantation is complete! Begin with a tree or two and learn as you go.
Tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our current stories.
Pick from a multitude of daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
For the more aerobically inclined, the Outdoor Map shows the way to go, or
choose among dozens of natural attractions or outdoor activities suggested on our website. Choose your own adventure!
Like many other small, independent and specialized information sources, our budget will increasingly rely on reader donations. Help us keep you informed about all the great stuff to do in and around Northwest New Jersey! If you like what we offer, we hope you'll consider a contribution.
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