Chain O' Lakes Revisited

Installation August 2017

​Watching our gardens grow is one of the many perks of our job. Last week, we revisited the Chain O' Lakes project to plant annuals, mow, weed & mulch. The bed installed last summer is filling in nicely. We can't wait to see it bloom.

Chain O' Lakes Project - June 2018

Pillywiggins first appeared on this site in 2016 returning each year to add another sprinkling of garden enchantment. Follow our progress by visiting our 2016 & 2017 blog posts "Water, Weeds & Critters" and "Working on the Chain O' Lakes" 

This summer we will be installing (3) new wildflower beds - two beds lakeside & one in the side yard. Last year we covered these areas with black plastic to kill the grass & weeds. All that's left to do is till the soil & sow the seeds. ​​

Don't spray! Black plastic is a great way to kill off vegetation without harmful chemicals. Use weed blanket or wet cardboard to help prevent new weed growth.

​​We'll be using Midwest Mix from Vermont Wildflower Farm. This mix contains 26 different wildflowers native to our region. It includes 13 annuals for 1st year color, 4 bi-annuals & 8 perennials with early, mid & late bloom times. ​Also on our to-do list, create a new lakeside perennial bed inside of an old row boat. How fun!

Wildflower patches are low maintenance solutions for problem spots with poor soils or areas that are difficult to mow. They add natural beauty and provide food for bees, butterflies & other beneficial insects. (Wildflower patches also make a great home for Pillywiggins!)

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wildflowers in our hair"
Susan Polis Schutz