Once you like to develop issues and see a brand new signal pop up in your neighborhood like this, you cease and take discover.
Christy Harris began Wild Hare Prairie Native Nursery as a pandemic undertaking at her house on E Beaumont Highway in Beechwold (aka northern Clintonville). I didn’t get an opportunity to cease by final season however took benefit of a free hour Friday afternoon to hop on my bike and make go to. Not solely was it Earth Day, however I used to be just some days out from listening to an inspirational speak about re-wilding personal lands by Doug Tallamy by means of Sustainable Higher Arlington and the UA Libraries. (Thanks as all the time for the tip, Bernadett!) Along with all that, it’s peak spring ephemeral season right here in Central Ohio so you possibly can say I’ve native vegetation on my thoughts…
I hopped off my bike and beginning testing the dozen or so sorts of vegetation Christy had on show within the driveway. They seemed wholesome, and whereas some appeared acquainted, there have been loads of new issues too and Christy was prepared to inform me ALL about them! Latin names, rising habits, and extra. I used to be impressed.
I adopted Christy by means of the privateness fence throughout the driveway into the again yard. I used to be speechless; seedlings so far as the attention may see. Numerous cultivars, actually as I requested Christy if she was holding observe and the reply was one thing like “not but.” Much more exceptional, Christy is studying every part by doing. She has no formal training in horitculture and is so humble about her data. She instructed me, “It began with milkweed for the monarchs… Now I simply attempt to develop as many vegetation as I can.”
The yard nursery was like no place I’ve ever been earlier than, and I’m no stranger to backyard excursions. Along with 1000’s of seedlings (together with some that she’s been nursing for 3 years – Hi there, Compass Plant!) there have been established beds in solar, shade, half shade and even a wetland habitat with blooming marsh marigold. I can’t wait to go to once more later within the season. As I instructed Christy, I intend to spend some huge cash at her home this yr as I work on diversifying what’s rising at our place.
Christy is a neighborhood plant shero and neighborhood treasure. Go to her all through the season – her stock will change as issues mature – and inform her I despatched you!
Wild Hare Prairie Native Nursery is open from “signal as much as signal down.” You too can discover Christy at farmer’s markets throughout Central Ohio this season, together with Bexley, Franklin Park, and Worthington the place she’ll be Might seventh, in addition to Fb and Instagram.
