A pocket prairie is a small garden in a landscape that includes native prairie grasses and wildflowers. Folks in a suburban or urban setting can have a natural area in their yard while providing ...

Prairies used to cover a swath of America from Mexico to Canada. But not all prairies are the same. Different conditions dictate each prairie ecosystem, and thus what plants and animals exist in each ...

Dense growth and a cozy, prey-filled habitat make these grasses a dream for snakes — great for nature, not so great for ...

With rising global temperatures and droughts becoming more frequent and severe, maintaining a healthy lawn has become increasingly costly to the homeowner and the planet. Most lawns consist of a ...

Drew Erickson removes weeds from a pocket prairie at the Ericksons’ home in Marion last Saturday. The Ericksons began building their prairie four years ago. The process started with placing a tarp ...

After the discovery of the Americas in the 15th century, Europeans brought back many types of plants that gardeners take for granted today, including potatoes, sunflowers, and tomatoes. Pampas grass ...

For this home, Yardzen designed an entertainment-friendly backyard that pairs gray gravel and pavers with native plants and drought-tolerant species. Courtesy Yardzen For some people, the battle for ...

Editor’s note: This segment was rebroadcast on Sept. 1, 2025. Click here for that audio. The North American prairie rivals the Amazon rainforest in its biological diversity, and it’s disappearing even ...