Today we have about 8 inches of new snow, just in time for Town Meeting - 1st in 3 years! But the snow feels different, as though it's just pretending, because we KNOW that Spring is coming, the ground will be bare, with snow melt seeping into the earth for plants to grow.
In February, the penstemon plants from Riverberry Farm were already green and spreading. Last year, I ordered 135 native pollinator plants from them - Jane Sorenson grows them lovingly each season, selling them for pollinators in Vermont gardens. Her gardens are in Fairfax, well worth a trip!
And also in February, we saw this mink moving gracefully across the snowy lawn, looking for food!
I look forward to the surprises will come up this Spring, and the pollinators who will also be looking for food. Remember that they're starving after the winter, so leave your dandelions, violets and bird's foot trefoil on your lawns, and plan where you can rewild and lessen your lawns.
Native plants can be found at Golden Russet Farm, Horsfords Nursery, Miller Hill Nursery, Riverberry Farm, and Marijke's Garden. Remember to ask at other nurseries about neonicitinoids in the soil of plants for sale, which kill pollinators and other insects.
Check out PPAC's website for more info here:
PPAC has another webinar coming up on March 24 on Vermont Butterflies and Native Host Plants, and another in April on Invasives, removing them w/o herbicides, so watch for dates and info on FPF. If you'd like to be added to email list, contact pollinatorpathway.addisoncty@gmail.com
Hi Bethany, How did you decide on Riverberry Farms amongst the others you mention? Thanks.