Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1492680
By Eileen Mozinski Schmidt Special to Waukesha County Home As homeowners start thinking about spring, some may be looking for eco-friendly ways to build their landscapes and gardens for the warmer season. Seeking plants native to the southeast Wisconsin eco-system has been a common interest among customers in recent years, accord- ing to Carrie Hennessy, horticultur- ist and landscape designer at John- son's Nursery Inc. in Menomonee Falls. "In the last decade, there's been an increased demand," she said, of requests for native plants. It is an interest she believes has been aided through education about the importance of diversity in landscaping, including through the University of Wisconsin Exten- sion and local groups. "You don't have to plant all natives in your yard," said Hen- nessy, who said in her own yard the goal is to incorporate plants that are not invasive and those that help with pollinators. When planning for native plants, Hennessy noted that many are slow to wake up in the spring. With winter conditions shifting in recent years, some plants are waking up later, according to Hen- nessy, who said less snow can be hard on plants like perennials that rely on the insulation. But in general, she said native plants have fewer problems surviv- ing the winter. For wooded or shady lots, Hen- nessy recommend woodland ephemerals, Jack-in-the-pulpit, C O N T E N T S What should you look for in a sunroom? How to find the right plant for the right place NARI Spring Home Improvement Show preview A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • February 2023 Prepping for planting Ideas for creating yard space that jives with the area eco-system Photo submitted by Carrie Hennessy Geum triflorum, commonly referred to as prairie smoke. The plant is one of the first that will bloom and is a source of nectar for bees, said Carrie Hen- nessy, horticulturalist and landscape designer at Johnson's Nursery, Inc. in Menomonee Falls. See ECO-FRIENDLY/PAGE 2