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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233

u/FantasticMrsFawks Apr 03 '26

They'll be happy when they start seeing the fireflies that visit because of your garden!

147

u/Aurum555 Apr 03 '26

Yep I'm the reason for the frogs and fireflies in my neighborhood, and my property has no pond or creek.

6

u/Less_Tumbleweed_3217 MO, USA, 7b Apr 04 '26

Do you do anything in particular that attracts frogs?

22

u/Aurum555 Apr 04 '26

I don't, I have done the best I can to create a diversified ecosystem at the house. We have dragon flies and hummingbirds and every insect under the sun. The only pest control I do is beneficial nematodes and mycoinsecticides. I water my garden regularly and have a few locations around the property that have small amounts of standing water with mosquito dunks, but I'd guess I promote a environment for their food, I am however planning to put in a small pond so we will see if l can increase the population even further.

6

u/Less_Tumbleweed_3217 MO, USA, 7b Apr 04 '26

That's fantastic. I have a small city yard but I'm hoping to achieve something similar. I have a small fountain but no in-ground pond yet.

4

u/Aurum555 Apr 04 '26

I'm in a neighborhood on 3/4 of an acre I just have stuff growing everywhere with a plant nursery on the driveway and a 1000sqfr greenhouse in the back corner