Comments on: When Experts Mislead You

By: Ecosystem Gardening: how it was developed

Ecosystem Gardening: how it was developed — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:06:24 +0000

[...] learned the hard way that I could not take for granted that the “experts” at my nurseries actually knew the origins of the…. I began to carry field guides of native plants, plant encyclopedias, and “weed” books [...]

By: Carole Brown

Carole Brown — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:33:23 +0000

Doug Tallamy’s book is a must read for every homeowner in my opinion. And if you live in New England the NE Wildflower Society is an excellent resource, as is the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Texas. These resources, in conjunction with your local native plant society, will provide you with a wealth of information that you need to become the expert in your own garden. Thanks Commonweeder.

By: commonweeder

commonweeder — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:01:23 +0000

You have given excellent advice and an important warning about invasive plants. The original Russian olive we planted from the Conservation District! 25 years ago have died, but they self seeded in the field down below. GRRRRR. The New England Wildflower Society is a good resource (newfs.org) and I found Doug Tallamy's book Bringing Nature Home instructive and charming. .-= commonweeder´s last blog ..Femivore? =-.

By: Kelly Brenner

Kelly Brenner — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:52:04 +0000

Excellent point! I know exactly what you mean. During research into bird habitats while at university I found numerous books that had misleading or just bad information that drastically conflicted with what I’d learned at school.

Another point in regards to plants is that many books are written without addressing regions. I’ve seen many plant lists for butterflies that don’t say what region in the US they’re for let alone specific regions within a region. It’s much better as you say, to find lists from local native plant groups or nature organizations. Or as you also state, simple observation.

Thank you for addressing this issue, it’s very important because even with the best of intentions someone can end up doing more harm than good with bad information.
.-= Kelly Brenner´s last blog ..Oldham School Green Roof =-.

By: Alison Kerr

Alison Kerr — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:16:35 +0000

I'm trying to become an expert in my own garden. It's a lot of work but I think it will be SO worth it! The birds, bees, butterflies, and my family (hopefully) will thank me. I'm off outdoors to get some sunshine and my fingers in the dirt as I start my gardening for the year. .-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Self Watering Containers =-.