Debbie’s sustainable yard overlooks Deerfield’s Trail Tree nature area. Life is in abundance here because Debbie has committed decades to fostering the benefits of native species not only in her yard but in the adjacent nature area.
Deer are a problem. Debbie grows Clematis virginia Virgin’s Bower because the deer don’t like it, and it has lovely white flowers in fall. The pagoda dogwood and Tuberosa butterfly weed are also not palatable to deer. They love the native smooth hydrangea flower buds, however. This needs to be sprayed regularly with repellent.
Folks sweat over how to compost. Debbie’s mantra is “if you do nothing, compost happens, so just start.” She uses a stacking system but frankly any system will do.
Because her lower yard is part of the north branch flood plain, she plants accordingly. With their deep roots native plants, hedges and trees help mitigate flooding. And, they thrive in this environment.
Her sustainable yard also includes:
- Palm sedge
- Aster
- Blue lobelia
- Hyssop
- Swamp milkweed
- Bee balm
- Ostrich fern
- Joe pye weed
- Spice bush
- Green dragon
- Nodding onion
- Redbud tree
- Turtlehead
- Pin oak
Photo Gallery
Photos by Keith Dadey
