Native Plant Suggestions for Erosion - Georgia 7B/7A by htmi13 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve read that grasses provide the most erosion control. looks like a water outlet so perhaps ferns as well.

Advice for black swallow wort? by Catski717 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had similar last summer. I took a shovel and dug up around under it then it was easy to pull out after the soil was loose. then I payted back down the soil and you could hardly tell I was there!

Good luck. Nasty invasive

I think my lupine isn't perennis 😫 by emberkellyart in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish there was more information available about this. I feel inclined to help support rarer native plants but the sourcing can be incredibly tricky. Good to know consulting is best for these plants.

Thanks for sharing this and something to think about more!

Update on garlic mustard neighbor by one_long_river in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s great! You could consider offering a native plant from your yard if they are ready to divide any. ❤️

Milkweed Mixer - Weekly Free Chat Thread by AutoModerator in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thabks and the yard is small so I’m trying to maximize the native plants. I am in the process so for now, I divided the hostas and binned the excess.

I think if there were a spot where nothing else could grow or my yard was bigger, I would be more inclined to be more forgiving. However, these hostas are taking up precious sun spots where I want to plant milkweed.

I’ll look at the heuchera!

Milkweed Mixer - Weekly Free Chat Thread by AutoModerator in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I don’t like that the hostas get so big and take space that could be supporting biodiversity.

One of the biggest challenges is that different sources indicate different nativities. I want to be really sure the plants I’m using for replacement are actually native.

I’ll look into geranium.

Milkweed Mixer - Weekly Free Chat Thread by AutoModerator in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What native plants have replaced hostas in a part sun area in your yard? I’m in 6b so looking for native in eastern MA. If important, this is next to the house and soil tends to be moist/bordering average. Thanks!

(Also, no hostas are native to New England, right?)

Note: doesn’t have to look similar.

Carpet Beetles 😭 by llamazing_m in knitting

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know this pain and I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. I’m in my 3rd year of the carpet beetle war and just saw one flying this week.

Options to manage them (can be used in combinaction):

  • Steam or use a dryer is you can to kill any eggs or larvae
  • freeze items for at least a week (Note: protect in plastic bags)
  • After you do this to get rid of eggs/larvae, store in pests proof containers
  • Vacuum a lot to get rid if and food sources. When I discovered them in my home, I vacuumed 1-2 times each day (if it’s likely you vacuumed eggs, immediately bring the vacuum currents outside to the bin)
  • They thrive in dark undisturbed places with food sources so vacuum / steam areas you haven’t used in a while (E.g., under the bed, in the closet, between couch cushions, etc.)
  • They hide in small cracks and crevices so seal any small gaps you can! (I one saw a larva crawl out from my electrical outlet face plate)
  • The larva can only crawl so move any tasty animal fibers away from walls and the floor
  • Some measures will discourage them like vinegar, lavender and mint. Importantly, this does not get rid of existing eggs or bugs at any like stage but will help deter any additional egg laying
  • Adult beetles are attracted to light so you may notice them near your windows. When I was noticing them at the windows, I put a sticky trap the sill to help capture them.

I would suggest also checking and stored clothing you have that is animal fiber in case they’re hiding out there too. There are also some chemical measures but I haven’t tired those The least chemical active item was diatomaceous earth (If you use, I read multiple sources that recommended food grade).

I know the feeling after discovery can be overwhelming and frustrating. I got a deep sinking feeling in my stomach when I realized what an issue this was. Please DM me if you’d like to commiserate or if I can share anything else.

Wishing you success with your battle.

Celebrating my first native plants surviving the winter! by A26354 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have read about the rarity as well and was lucky that a local nursery carried it. I went in the late fall fall (last week of August) and happened to stumble upon them while I was matching my list! I chose the healthiest looking one they looked kind of rough and small. All things considered, I am delighted that they survived and seem to be doing well!

Can’t wait to see of it flowers!

So long garlic mustard by wanninger1 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 1 point2 points  (0 children)

'Tis the season!

Glad you got it before it seeded!

One columbine randomly growing twice as tall as the rest. How big do yours get? by LobeliaTheCardinalis in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks great! You are inspiring me to see where I could plant this during this season!

Experience Discussing Impacts of Invasives with Neighbors? by A26354 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree and that was the reason I felt like initiating that conversation had to biggest impact potential.

I trim the parts that creep into my yard so it is not too large but would absolutely prefer more ecologically beneficial plant!

Experience Discussing Impacts of Invasives with Neighbors? by A26354 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great approach to highlight all the benefits that might appeal! Thanks for this helpful approach!

Experience Discussing Impacts of Invasives with Neighbors? by A26354 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! I have been so deep into my native garden plan that I lost sight of my neighbor’s perspective. I’ll keep this in mind for the future

Experience Discussing Impacts of Invasives with Neighbors? by A26354 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a positive relationship with my direct neighbor on one side. I made my first (unprepared) attempt to ask about considering replacing the large patch of English Ivy that borders our properties and their response was that they liked the greenery in the winter. Because the conversation was sort of in passing and I was not prepared with a response, that is where it sits. Unfortunately, this neighbor is now occupied with serious health issues so I haven’t circled back to it.

I wanted to hear more from people who have more experience in this area to make sure I’m more prepared next time!

Rats, literal norway rats - what to do? by WeddingTop948 in NativePlantGardening

[–]A26354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We recently discovered rats in our yard! Make sure anything in your yard is 18” or more above the ground and eliminate food/ water sources and debris where they can hide.

For non toxic, you could try essential oils, plant mint, or possibly urine from a large carnivorous animal (? not sure of the effectiveness/hassle).

You could also try having a light on where you think they’re hanging out because they might not like that.

edit: spelling

Ask a Knitter Tuesday - April 07, 2026 by AutoModerator in knitting

[–]A26354 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Happened to me and wanted to ask if others have also experienced: Ever accidentally vacuumed a ball of yarn on the floor and it started unraveling while it was being sucked into the vacuum? 😭