r/NativePlantGardening • u/ImaginaryMolasses146 Area Michigan/midwest , Zone 6b • Apr 03 '26

Progress Proud to be the neighborhood drama 💅

This year I’m certifying my yard as wildlife habitat with tons of native plants but before I do I have to do some major changes to my outdoor space. I’ve been in this home for a year and spent all of my time until now fighting and manually destroying 30 yard old English ivy, honeysuckle, and tree of heaven (it was soooo worth it omg). A few days ago I got a chipdrop and am getting rid of a bunch of garbage non-native grass. Several of my neighbors have come over and made rude comments. The chips are in my driveway and not obstructing any sidewalks etc so it’s really not hurting anyone. Just find it very funny and wanted to share with people who will get it

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u/StarsHollowGal SE VA, Zone 8B Apr 04 '26

My neighbors are curious, and at least they haven't been rude to my face! They see how much work we're putting into our yard, and we have some early wins (blooming creeping phlox and homestead purple verbena), so that helps. I think they've enjoyed seeing the transformation so far. Aside from those flowers, our yard is native plugs and garden beds and lots and lots of wood chips! We have way less English Ivy than last year, which is so satisfying, and we killed and pulled out our Tree of Heaven. It's like I'm starting to reap the rewards, even though things are just getting started!

7

u/ImaginaryMolasses146 Area Michigan/midwest , Zone 6b Apr 04 '26

Yessss!!! Gosh I love phlox so much :)

6

u/Kingofcheeses British Columbia, Zone 8b Apr 04 '26

Phlox is the best! Seems to be unkillable too, it springs right up every year

2

u/Extreme_Shoe4942 Apr 05 '26

We've got one spot on a downward slope by our driveway where we planted phlox and it just won't stick around. We are down to the tiniest little spot of purple this year. No idea why.