Grow & Tell is IPR’s biweekly gardening segment to guide you through the growing season. In each episode, I’ll walk you through gardening tasks tailored for northern Michigan’s climate and soils — whether you're working with raised beds or patio pots.
Have gardening questions you want Grow & Tell to answer? Email me at dylan.kulik@interlochen.org.
Today, we’re converting a tired, weed-ridden patch of IPR's front lawn into a thriving native plant garden. We'll turn nothing into something beautiful and beneficial.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
Step 1: Clear the canvas
This plot we’re working with is compacted, overrun with weeds and not looking too inspiring right now. But that’s OK — every great garden starts somewhere.
Tools & action:
- Tool of choice: A trusty stirrup hoe
- Goal: Undercut and remove all weeds
- Next: Rake the soil flat and smooth
Think of this stage as preparing the canvas for your masterpiece. You want an even surface, free of plant debris and gravel, so your native plants can take root without competition.
Step 2: Add vitality to your soil
This is your one big opportunity to add nutrition and vitality to your soil — while there aren't any plants in it.
You won’t get as many chances to improve soil quality once perennials are established, so don’t skip this step.
You've got options:
- Compost (aim for 2–3 inches of coverage)
- Manure-based fertilizer (optional)
- Cover crops (if you're not planting immediately and have time to let them grow)
In our case, the soil looked pretty tired, so I brought in about 40 gallons of compost, raked it over the bed and created a rich, dark layer. It looks like a black-gray blanket — beautiful and full of potential. If I were a plant, I’d want to grow here.
Step 3: Understand your sunlight
While you're working, notice how sunlight moves across your space.
When I started prepping this garden around 9 AM, I was in full sun. By 2 PM, the area was shaded by a large oak tree. That tells me this plot gets morning sun and afternoon shade, which will determine the types of plants I'll put here (and where I'll put them).
Step 4: Choose your plants wisely
After prepping the soil and observing the sunlight, I took a trip to my local native plant nursery with a short list in hand. I also talked to the experts there — highly recommended!
Here’s what I picked up:
- Black-eyed Susans – A resilient, sunny bloom that thrives in many conditions
- New England Asters – A bee favorite with bold purples and blues
- Boneset – Upright, striking and pollinator-friendly
- Yarrow – Feathery foliage with long-lasting blooms
- Monarda fistulosa (Bee Balm) – A native standout we talked about in early spring. One of my favorites!
Step 5: Tuck in your plants
Tips for transplanting:
- Size matters: My seedlings were 3–6 inches tall, with no flowers yet — ideal for transplanting
- Dig deep: Make a small hole, cut into that compost layer and blend it with the underlying soil
- Be gentle: Tuck in your plant, pat the soil around it and move on to the next
After planting, give everything a deep soak. Keep watering regularly through August and September. If your soil dries out quickly, consider adding a light mulch or ground cover to retain moisture.
Step 6: Be patient and curious
Here’s the truth: This is an experiment. I’m not sure which plants will thrive and which might struggle — but that’s part of the joy. What matters most is that we’re giving them the best possible start.
Remember:
- Native plants can take 2–3 years to reach their full glory
- You’re building an ecological legacy, not just a garden
- Even if some plants don’t make it, others will flourish
This patch of land was once a weedy afterthought. Now, it’s the beginning of a resilient, beautiful habitat that supports pollinators, enriches the soil and invites life back in.
Until next time…
The transformation is underway. We’ll keep an eye on this garden to see who makes it through the winter and who shines in spring.
Good luck in your own native planting adventures — and see you next time on Grow & Tell.
