Burn Baby Burn

Yesterday, Naomi and I burnt our small little patch of prairie next to our deck. Now for any of you who do not know, prairie burns are a necessary part of the prairie life cycle. It helps to keep out woody plants and non natives. However do to the smallness and location of this patch of prairie we had to do things a bit different. First we cut down all of the plants and laid them onto the ground. Then we thoroughly wetted down the deck and the side of the house. Then we started the fire with only a match, not drip torches. Then we stood by hose in hand and let the patch burn. We doused with the hose every once in awhile just to stop the fire from burning too hot and scorching the prairie plant roots. Who are normally under the earth and far enough away from the quick moving fire of a normal prairie burn.

No pictures unfortunately but next week I will burning a large patch of prairie next to the school I work at with my students. I will be sure to take pictures of this one.

Growing with Nature: Organic Plant Sale

The Prairie Crossing Charter School and Learning Farm are partnering up again for their 4th annual plant sale. This year's theme for the plant sale is "grow your own groceries". At the plant sale individuals will be present who can offer advice and expertise on which plants are the best to buy for your garden plot. Also recieve professional advice on composting and vermicomposting and making it work for your garden space.

Earthwild Gardens of Prairie Crossing will also be at the plant sale offering a wide variety of native plants. If you haven't gardened with native plants I suggest that you try. Native landscaping over the longterm is more cost effective than traditional landscaping. A gardener can potentially save several hundreds of dollars in maintence costs annually. Natives also live in harmony with the environment and therefore need less time in care and maintence giving you more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and love.

So come down to the plant sale on Saturday May 9th. It is located at Station Square at Prairie Crossing 977 Harris Road, Grayslake IL from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This even will benefit both the school and the learning farm.