Rewilding the yard

“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 perennial plants with deep roots help to bring organic matter deep into the soil. Dead plant material allowed to remain and decay at the surface provides habitat for insect decomposers. Soils covered in native plants can grow rich varieties of fungi and have a strong mycelial network.

Our native gardens are rewilding by restoring stormwater recharge. Soils covered in organic mulch and plants can hold more water. Healthy soils and roots systems bring rainwater deep into the lower layers of soil. Multi layered canopy layers distribute raindrops and protect soil from erosion. Long lived native plants can transpire water back into the atmosphere. Water is encouraged to absorb in place instead of washing away in sewers.

Our native gardens are rewilding by rebuilding habitat for wildlife. Native landscapes provide host plants for insects that are adapted to eat them and in turn are eaten by other wildlife. Gardens provide the essential food, water, and shelter needed by birds, lizards, rabbits, and beetles. Native gardens can provide sanctuary and a refueling station for migrants on their treacherous journey. All wildlife is welcome and soon finds its own balance.

Our native gardens are rewilding by enabling natural processes.  In our native gardens insects are allowed to live and reproduce in balance with their predators. Plants can compete for nutrients or form symbiotic relationships. Soils are replenished with organic matter from decaying plants. No chemical additives are needed and are avoided to keep the whole system healthy.

Rewilding is not letting your lawn grow tall and ignoring the encroachment of invasive species. To rewild, the land first needs to be healed. Nonnative plants, including lawn will need to be removed or closely monitored to make sure they disappear as the rewilding takes place. Dead and polluted soils may need to be supplemented with compost and extra organic matter. Native species may need to be introduced to the system if their seed bank is dead and there are no native species nearby to colonize the land.

Healthy native gardening practices embrace natural cycles. We strive for biodiversity and celebrate the life we see in our gardens. We are continually learning to follow natural rhythms. We are rewilding our yards while we also benefit from the beauty of native plants.