Around Town with Evelyne Bahn

Around Town

Evelyne Bahn: Embracing the Chaos and Beauty of a Native Garden

In a delightful exploration into the world of native gardening, I had the pleasure of speaking with Evelyne Bahn, a passionate gardener who has transformed her conventional yard into a thriving native garden. Evelyne’s journey into native gardening began unexpectedly and has grown into a deep passion for nurturing an ecosystem right in her backyard.

Starting Out: Evelyne’s adventure started one ordinary day when her family was away. Facing the task of mowing the lawn, she pondered, “What if I got rid of the lawn altogether?” Her husband, familiar with ecological gardening, suggested transitioning to a native garden. “He knew Elliot from his work at a local ecological center, and Elliot recommended planting native species that essentially care for themselves after establishment,” Evelyne explained.

Choosing Native Plants: Driven by curiosity and her husband’s insights, Evelyne dove into researching native plants that would thrive in her local climate. “We looked into various native species like Liatris, which blooms beautifully in spring, and Echinacea, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also attracts monarch butterflies,” she shared. Her garden now hosts an array of wildlife, including swallowtails, hummingbirds, and even dragonflies, which naturally help control the mosquito population.

Sustainable Practices: Evelyne emphasizes sustainability in her gardening. “In autumn, I lay down cardboard and compost to enrich the soil naturally. This method not only recycles waste but also prepares the soil for planting in the spring,” she said. This approach has helped her manage the challenging clay soil in her garden, transforming it into a fertile ground for native flora.

Design and Layout: When it comes to designing her garden, Evelyne prefers a natural, informal layout that mimics native habitats. “I plant in clusters and allow the plants to grow freely. This not only creates a more natural look but also provides ample space for wildlife to thrive,” she explained. Her design strategy includes ensuring something is always in bloom from early spring to late autumn, providing continuous support for local pollinators.

Education and Community Engagement: Evelyne is also keen on educating others about the benefits of native gardening. “I often use an app to learn about new plants and share this knowledge with neighbors and their children,” she mentioned. By engaging the community, she hopes to spread awareness and encourage more people to consider native gardening.

Reflections and Future Plans: Reflecting on her journey, Evelyne expressed joy in the evolving nature of her garden. “Each year brings new plants and new life. Watching everything come into bloom after returning from a trip was mesmerizing,” she recalled. Looking forward, she plans to enhance the garden’s accessibility with pathways to allow visitors to enjoy the beauty up close without harming the plants.

Conclusion: Evelyne Bahn’s native garden is more than just a space for plants; it’s a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife and promotes biodiversity. Her story is a testament to the beauty and resilience of native plants and the rewards of embracing a little chaos in the garden. For those inspired by Evelyne’s journey, starting a native garden might just be the next step toward contributing to environmental conservation right in your backyard.