I AFFECTIONATELY CALLED ANDRE JORDAN A BIRD OF A FEATHER last Thursday, when his new weekly doodle debuted here. Apparently this is the migratory Englishman-turned-Nebraskan’s response. And what’s yours?
THE LECTURE that he’s been giving for a number of years is not-so-subtly called “Kill Your Lawn.” Ecological horticulturist Dan Jaffe Wilder knows that starting over and creating an entire native habitat instead of a lawn isn’t for everyone. But Dan just wants to grab our attention and get us to start to make some changes at least in the way we care for the turfgrass we do want in our landscapes. And maybe give up a little square footage of it to some other kind of more diverse planting, too, like the wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana, inset). Alternative, more eco-focused styles of lawn care, along with some lawn alternatives is what he and I talked about on the podcast. Dan is Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts, and its 8,000-acre sanctuary. He’s also co-author with Mark Richardson of the book “Native Plants for New England Gardens.”
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
It’s genius! Stunning in its simplicity, the drawing elicited an instant smile. What a thoughtful little reminder to reflect on my day and how I care for my bit of earth.
And to think, he probably just has these thoughts all the time. *sigh*
too funny!
Awww, can you get those pics printed like a postcard? I love them!
Welcome, Millie, and please don’t be a stranger.
Welcome also to Daniela. Andre has many tricks under his wing, so don’t be surprised if in fact there will be postcards in your future (there are ones of his other work already). We’ll let him tell us the details once he finishes his morning rituals and caffeinates thoroughly out there in Nebraska.
This is what I love about blogging. Being able to share glimpses of brilliant people whom I would otherwise never have contact.
Thanks Margaret. You were first and now we have Andre.
Good morning all.
My morning rituals are complete: Drink coffee. Take wife to work. Try to wake up.
Hopefully at some point, A Way to Garden Postcards will be made. Yes.
This morning it is cold and wet. It reminds me of London ‘tarn’.
It ought to be a flag.
Got love this one, it brings a smile to my day.
So glad you have joined Margaret. Have a great day.
omigosh, i think i know that bird…its a Carolina Wren, i bet. its got that determined little wren face too. love it
Thanks Jane. Flags in the garden are new to me. I may have to do a doodle about them.
Glad my doodle brought a smile to your day, Susan.
Starr, I believe it is an albino Robin.
I was born in Nebraska – and will soon be moving there again. Nice to know that Andre is enjoying life there.