
Stable in Winter
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! It is that time of year again, you know, “the most wonderful time of the year!” That is unless you are a contractor and you are trying to squeeze a couple of Read More
Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District
Our mission is to assist land users and other agencies in the wise use of natural resources in Elkhart County.
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! It is that time of year again, you know, “the most wonderful time of the year!” That is unless you are a contractor and you are trying to squeeze a couple of Read More
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! I did not write a blog post last month, so I have had a little extra time to consider what I would like to cover in this edition. In that time I Read More
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! As I flipped my calendar over to the new month, Icouldn’t help but notice the best week of the year is almost here! What week is that you ask? Well, it’s ElkhartCounty Read More
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! If you have not noticed, this issue of Grass Roots is focusing heavily on Native plants and the many benefits that a native prairie can offer both for the functionality and aesthetics Read More
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! I hope that you have been able to keep your emotions in check as you tune into your favorite weather forecaster, or as ABC 57’s Tom Coomes puts it, the local farmer’s Read More
Welcome back to another edition of Blogging BMP’s! I hope everyone has been taking advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures we have been experiencing here in good old Elkhart County. I remember as a kid feeling so invigorated as the Read More
The name may be familiar to some, Black Eyed Susan, as one that is grown in flower gardens and landscaping, but it is a common native plant in Indiana. The prolonged bloom time attracts butterflies and other pollinators. This drought tolerant species can handle a wide range of soils. Growing 1-3ft tall with yellow blooms during the summer season, this easy to grow plant adds quite the showpiece to a landscape.
Looking like a spot of sunlight in a prairie, the Lanceleaf Coreopsis shines bright with its yellow petals and fuzzy center. Blooming for many weeks in early summer, it creates a brilliant display. The flower attracts butterflies and other pollinators while the seeds attract backyard birds. This plant will happily grow in dry soils. Up to 22 native bee species rely on the genus Coreopsis. Its fibrous root system helps infiltrate water into the soil.
The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is an iconic native plant for northern Indiana, growing 3-5ft tall with its rich purple flowers blooming throughout the summer. It can handle many soil types with moist to dry drainage. This native works well for rain gardens and pollinator plots.