This guide is designed for beginners in Northwest Ohio & Southeast Michigan, but applies broadly to similar regions. Shade is often seen as a limitation in gardening, but many native plants evolved under forest canopies where light is filtered, soils are cooler, and moisture levels fluctuate throughout the season. These plants are well adapted to […]
Beginner Native Garden Staples for Shade Read Post »
Introduction If you want healthier plants, better drainage, and a garden that practically supports itself, understanding soil types is one of the most important skills you can develop. Every soil—whether sandy, silty, clay-heavy, or a blend—shapes how roots grow, how water moves, and which plants will thrive. This guide explains soil texture in clear, simple
Understanding Soil Types: A Guide for Gardeners Everywhere Read Post »
Introduction Ever been talking with another gardener about a plant, only to realize halfway through that you’re both describing something different? That’s the messy world of common names. Plants often go by multiple nicknames depending on the region, tradition, or even personal preference. That’s where scientific names come in — a universal language that clears
Common vs. Scientific Plant Names: Why They Matter Read Post »
Growing native plants from seed can be deeply rewarding, but it often comes with a unique challenge: many species won’t sprout without first experiencing winter. This natural process, known as cold stratification, mimics the freeze–thaw cycles seeds would encounter outdoors. By understanding why cold stratification happens and how to replicate it, gardeners can unlock the
Understanding Cold Stratification: Why Native Seeds Need Winter to Grow Read Post »
Not all native plants crave full sun and wide-open meadows. Some thrive in the quieter corners — under trees, along woodland edges, or in those stubborn shady spots where lawn grass gives up. Shade gardens may not scream color like a prairie, but they offer subtle texture, layered beauty, and serious habitat value when planted
Native Plants for Shady Gardens: Quiet Powerhouses of the Understory Read Post »
I often find myself thinking back to the beginning of my gardening days. All the mistakes, the numerous times I thought about giving up. The frustrations of putting in so much effort and never getting a payoff is very tough to process. In my over 15 years of gardening I’ve easily failed more then I’ve
Growing Through Failure: 4 Gardening Tips for Long-Term Success Read Post »
Well, hello everyone — and welcome to my first blog! My name is John, and I’m the owner and founder of Backyard Habitats, a project dedicated to native gardening in Northwest Ohio and helping homeowners reconnect with nature. What started as a personal passion for restoring balance and observing how life unfolds in a wild
Bringing Nature Back: Native Plant Gardening in Northwest Ohio Read Post »
