Progress!

Last season our hatred of the Nandina took hold and I hacked one up with pruners. Then my husband, with the typical male tendency for escilation, plowed down the rest with a chainsaw. Then we realized that bushes have these things called roots, and they were stuck in the ground pretty good.

We finally hired two hard-working teenagers from up the road to do the dirty work. They did a great job. Now I am actually ready to dig in! Just need to add soil and seeds!

Native plants - 2, Invasives- 305

As much as I get on my soapbox about killing invasive plants and going native, there's been actually very little progress in practicing what I preach. I planted a native fern and shrub last fall, and I'm pleased the fern is coming back and the shrub is still alive.

Another pet project was hacking back all the honeysuckle on one section of fence, trying to make room for a few strands of Carolina jessamine that found their way there. Well, the vines have gone crazy and I have a great display of flowers right now. And they smell wonderful!

It's one small victory for native plants in my yard!