habitatspring
Why We Build with Accoya
Not all wood is created equal. When we design native habitat elements for your garden, we build them to last — and the material we trust most is Accoya.
April 30, 2026
9 notes
habitatspring
Rushton Woods, a Full Room, and Why This Moment Matters
On April 29, Bob joined the Willistown Conservation Trust at Rushton Woods Preserve for an evening that reminded every person in the room why native habitat design is not optional — it's urgent.
April 30, 2026
nestingspring
The Box Is Up. The Bluebirds Are Back.
March 20th. The female arrived first — she always does. She inspected the box for about four minutes, went inside twice, and left. By the 22nd, the male had joined her. We've been watching every morning since.
March 22, 2026Eastern Bluebird
habitatfall
Leave the Leaves. I Mean It.
Every fall, I watch the leaf blowers come out. Neighbors spend entire weekends removing what is, ecologically speaking, the most valuable layer of their entire property. I understand the impulse. I used to feel it too.
October 15, 2025Eastern Towhee
plantsspring
The Hummingbirds Are Coming. Is Your Garden Ready?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically arrive in the Philadelphia region between late April and mid-May. The males come first, scouting territory. The females follow. If your garden isn't ready when they arrive, they'll move on — and they may not come back.
April 28, 2025Ruby-throated Hummingbird
habitatspring
What 750 Square Feet Can Do
People always ask how much space they need to make a difference. My answer is always the same: less than you think. The Pocket Pollinator Meadow behind our garage at 15 Hillside Road is 750 square feet. That's it.
April 10, 2025Monarch Butterfly
plantswinter
Winterberry in February. The Birds Know.
After the ice storm in February 2011, I walked out to the back border and found the Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) encased in ice — every red berry cluster suspended in a perfect glaze. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in the garden.
February 18, 2025Cedar Waxwing
habitatsummer
The Monarch That Came from Mexico
In 2014, a tagged Monarch butterfly visited the Pocket Pollinator Meadow at 15 Hillside Road. The tag was traced back to its overwintering site in the mountains of central Mexico. It had traveled over 2,000 miles to find our garden.
August 20, 2024Monarch Butterfly
communityspring
The Book That Changed Everything
In 2007, I picked up a book called Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy. I wasn't looking for it. I found it at a native plant sale, read the back cover, and bought it on instinct. I didn't put it down for three days.
March 5, 2024