Welcome colonizers!

Most mulches are useful in controlling weeds, but they also prevent the natural colonization of your property by native plants.

By leaving some areas unmulched, I have enjoyed the following native plants that have colonized my yard on their own: American Holly (Ilex opaca), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Wrinkle leaf Goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), Log Fern (Dryopteris celisa), Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), and Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). Native plants will also colonize areas already planted with a low- growing ground cover. I recommend the app Picture This to help identify plants.

Richard Graefe