<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[growswild]]></title><description><![CDATA[growswild]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:28:14 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Not everyone knows the negatives]]></title><description><![CDATA[Gardening practices that might actually be causing more harm than good. We are all doing our best to build healthy gardens that support birds and bees. However, we are constantly learning better practices, like understanding why we should grow native plants instead of the flashiest bloom. Here are a few more things to think about: Potting soil often contains peat. Peat is a non-renewable resource that is harvested from peat bogs, destroying the bog ecosystem. Peat bogs are very old and hold...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/not-everyone-knows-the-negatives-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa470a9f448a9cd17b42ce3</guid><category><![CDATA[Permaculture]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:23:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_4224b8f8422d4a599a21d6a3a2607554~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Not everyone knows the negatives]]></title><description><![CDATA[Gardening practices that might actually be causing more harm than good. We are all doing our best to build healthy gardens that support birds and bees. However, we are constantly learning better practices, like understanding why we should grow native plants instead of the flashiest bloom. Here are a few more things to think about: Potting soil often contains peat. Peat is a non-renewable resource that is harvested from peat bogs, destroying the bog ecosystem. Peat bogs are very old and hold...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/not-everyone-knows-the-negatives</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6aa46f3ed83f50a13adae4e6</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:18:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_13d1eb17a02d476eb6776268511fdd2d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trophic cascades]]></title><description><![CDATA[I learned a new phrase recently, tropic cascade. I had learned about this concept before, but I love the mental image I get from tropic cascade. It describes the ripple effects of one change in a food web system. I imagine a small ripple of water gathering energy slowly to become a big wave and then finally an uncontrollable cascade of water changing everything in its path. “Trophic cascades are powerful indirect interactions that can control entire ecosystems, occurring when a trophic level...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/trophic-cascades</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a8f939ad2a5268a5fb725b7</guid><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:36:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_53db06e3a0304cb39f31a5925c8633cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Questions to ask when starting a community garden]]></title><description><![CDATA[When undertaking to create a garden installation, we all want to dive right in and get some plants in the ground. However, before starting I wish more people would stop to ask some very important questions about the site.   Questions to ask:   ·       What are the reasons for establishing this garden? Are there specific goals? ·       What is the budget? Who is paying for each item? Who is applying for grants? ·       Who is maintaining the garden forever? Is there a maintenance staff or a...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/questions-to-ask-when-starting-a-community-garden</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a56e44caa2c7341eb4c734d</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 01:44:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_d9926fef675249418f520109a9a1b039~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gardening at Night]]></title><description><![CDATA[Even though we are normally daytime creatures, our gardens are still functioning at night. Native gardens at night are home to many creatures like moths, owls, bats, toads, racoons, and lightning bugs. Some plants bloom all night long or even open at night to take advantage of nighttime pollinators. Pollinated by the sphynx moth, the Missouri evening primrose opens in the evening and closes in the morning. Flower scents are stronger at night to attract insects that rely more heavily on their...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/gardening-at-night</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a344cf48c97b78a03a741c9</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:00:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_d73c5ac1adbe458dbdc8da97745c65f4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_612,h_408,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Citizen Science]]></title><description><![CDATA[Citizen science is a way that you and all your friends can help scientists by documenting what you see in your garden or out in nature. Scientists reach out to the public to help them with data collection in order to do broader research. Helping with citizen science projects can be educational and it also is inspiring to know we are part of something bigger. We have all heard that biodiversity on this planet is declining. Especially the smaller species are rapidly disappearing and we don’t...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/citizen-science</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a344b458db1dd05561ff8c7</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:50:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_ffb022a5a7514b98bb489e9632514fe5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_762,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spread the word ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Our understanding of our environment is rapidly changing as new science is developed and human interaction with the environment changes our ecosystems. Before we can hope for others to care about native plants and insects we need to start with education. Some people have more time and better resources to keep up with environmental issues. Those of us with information need to find ways to share it and spread the word about the issues that matter to us. Education about environmental issues...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/spread-the-word</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a10edd7a2438924d10db586</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:01:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_1ee48bae4fae4b00aaa90ece43810051~mv2_d_3264_1836_s_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Planting on a hillside]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hillsides or any type of slope can add an extra challenge to planting a garden. The existing turf or weeds may be the only thing holding the soil in place. Removing them to clear out a garden bed may cause erosion before the new plants can establish large root systems.  Killing lawn and then planting and mulching a slope may become a mess after the first rain, as the mulch runs downhill and washes gullies into the garden. The roots in the soil are what keeps it from washing away. How do we...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/planting-on-a-hillside</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a10ecd90ac12a65423bd6e2</guid><category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category><category><![CDATA[Planting]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 23:56:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_359bd372eecb420d8066693984b46999~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pollinator pathways]]></title><description><![CDATA[A pollinator pathway is a corridor of habitat between larger habitats. Large pollinator pathways are needed by migrating species. For example, the monarch butterfly needs a pollinator pathway across the North America to Mexico to give it places to rest and refuel all along its great migration. Many birds also benefit from pollinator pathways since the native plants that benefit pollinators also support the needs of migrating birds. This might seem like an issue for national and international...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/polinator-pathways</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69fbba2f7c50fb68b37f1d9f</guid><category><![CDATA[Pollinators]]></category><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 22:04:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_e3cae7090dbd446c97252d82820cfc95~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adapting to climate change by protecting our soil]]></title><description><![CDATA[As our area warms and experiences more extreme weather, how can we protect our gardens? Climate change will bring heat, strong winds, flooding and drought. It will also bring new pests, invasive species, missing pollinators, and rapidly changing habitat. Providing a nourishing garden soil will keep plants healthy during these challenging times. Native plant landscapes not only protect our soil but also take carbon out of the air and store it in the soil, allowing us to live. A healthy deep...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/adapting-to-climate-change-by-protecting-our-soil</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e8d160bbc0f3ff7445da6c</guid><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><category><![CDATA[Permaculture]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:50:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_d9926fef675249418f520109a9a1b039~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Public parks as habitat hideaways]]></title><description><![CDATA[There is too much lawn in our parks. We don’t need so much lawn. We need a little lawn for kids to play, picnics, and bocce ball. But we have way more lawn in parks then we use. We should have no unnecessary lawns in public spaces. We just need some well thought out and placed lawn areas and the rest can be natural area. In the lawns that are currently in public spaces, we could reduce mowing. Grass does not need to be kept at golf course height in our parks. Tall grass and wild flowers are...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/public-parks-as-habitat-hideaways</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c42cfcd2e55f64fe0816e0</guid><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:45:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_28daedfc8662440d84d25e7b1e75c41a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Call to action for pollinators ]]></title><description><![CDATA[It is hard to be an insect these days. Even though insects are vital to life on earth they face a magnitude of threats from poor human decisions. As development expands, natural areas are decreasing, so there is less habitat, nesting sites, and flowers. Habitats that remain are small and far apart, isolating populations and increasing threats from outside. Smaller protected areas are more likely to be impacted by pesticide drift, road noise, light pollution, stormwater runoff, invasive...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/call-to-action-for-pollinators</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c42c0adbf1d5b60131f139</guid><category><![CDATA[Pollinators]]></category><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:42:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_9caef0fd14c74530a14528275cb4c008~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preventing weeds in new beds]]></title><description><![CDATA[Weeds can be the biggest headache when caring for a new flower bed. Some weeds fly in and find the empty spaces between plants to be great environments to grow. Other weeds were in the soil already with established roots or seeds dormant in the soil seed bank waiting for some light and water to hit them. Unfortunately, creating the perfect habitat for young native plants to establish is also the perfect habitat for weeds to invade. When preparing a bed for a native garden. Smother lawn for 6...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/preventing-weeds-in-new-beds</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b0a76aa547e1dd3d7e212c</guid><category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:24:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_750cc52e477b44b8aec74290c7a78f63~mv2_d_2048_1536_s_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Memory Aids]]></title><description><![CDATA[Whether it is from heat exhaustion, dementia, or having too much on our plates, we can all be forgetful. So many times, I have had a plant pop up in my yard that I don’t remember planting, is it the garden gnomes or did I forget placing it there. I have an oak in my yard that I know I planted but I didn’t keep the label and now I don’t know which species it is until it gets a few years older. One time I panted two plants on top of each other because I forgot I had already filled in that area...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/memory-aids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699f72b6bf1bf6f6a2a7d99d</guid><category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:20:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_202a38b0ebad4fd0a3f367ecec38c6fb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rewilding the yard]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Rewilding is a progressive and inspirational approach to conservation. It's about letting nature take care of itself, enabling natural processes to shape land and sea, repair damaged ecosystems and restore degraded landscapes. Through rewilding, wildlife's natural rhythms create wilder, more biodiverse habitats.”   Our native gardens are rewilding by restarting nutrient cycling of biomass. Native plants and healthy soil practices help nutrients to move between plants and the soil. Native...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/rewilding-the-yard</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69911ea6338482f3dc90eb11</guid><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:19:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_de457acfec3b4eb39e847ea44cae766c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Container Gardening]]></title><description><![CDATA[Containers can bring native plants into areas the garden can’t reach such as balconies, porches, and driveways. Containers also look great in the garden where they add an architectural element and can highlight a plant. Containers are also useful in providing specialize soil for plants that require unique conditions, I’m thinking glade plants or pond edge. A container can even be a mini pond or water feature. Bigger is always better when it comes to containers as long as you can manage...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/container-gardening</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697a9e0eb3cf8ba23846be5f</guid><category><![CDATA[Habitat]]></category><category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:41:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_56821e17cefe414bb1ff5ae2a723b110~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life in the Lawn]]></title><description><![CDATA[A just grass lawn only supports about 100 species and zero pollinators. A weedy lawn supports over 600 species with many pollinators visiting not native flowers like chickweed, clover, and dandelion, and native flowers like violets and wild strawberry. However, letting the lawn go wild is not the same as creating a healthy native ecosystem. The non-native weeds will need to be removed to create a meadow or prairie garden. In addition to letting the lawn go weedy there are many other ways to...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/life-in-the-lawn</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6968439e6ae8988b73fc15c4</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 01:36:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_212d16afe32e404ca692047f8e4a53b0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Planting for pollinators]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pollinators can be found everywhere but some gardens seem to attract larger numbers. If you have pollinator envy and want to attract even more pollinators to your yard here are a few tips. Proper garden placement and plant selection can invite even more pollinators to the native garden.   Planting tips for pollinators: Plant in the sun. Pollinator bodies need sunlight to warm up their flight muscles. Plan your bloom times to be continuous throughout the year. Try to have a few species...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/planting-for-pollinators</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f7dfebe789aa300a48635a</guid><category><![CDATA[Pollinators]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:36:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_3af78c35c9664af19c7f77cd36e04e7c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wasps]]></title><description><![CDATA[Wasps cause fear in many people and have a reputation for being ruthless attackers. However, wasps are good insects to have in the garden...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/wasps</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68c17a9429ab8110bd640473</guid><category><![CDATA[Pollinators]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:27:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_4224b8f8422d4a599a21d6a3a2607554~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hoverflies are good news]]></title><description><![CDATA[Syrphid flies, also known as hoverflies and flower flies are very effective pollinators. These flies look a lot like bees with striped...]]></description><link>https://besaschweitzer.wixsite.com/growswild/post/hoverflies-are-good-news</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b2f2c9c44a79e0500f75c1</guid><category><![CDATA[Pollinators]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 30 Aug 2025 12:49:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2f2bfc_607c41cbe08042918224661314e88cd1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Besa</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>