One of the many gardening books in one of the three small free bookshops outside Cheryl English's house is entitled Bring Nature Home. "That's what I'm trying to achieve here," says the Detroit native about the title and the philosophy behind his urban scene.
English, who grew up in Grosse Pointe Park, bought a modest bungalow in the East English Village in 1995. When he moved there, the land was limited to grass, with six Jas and a "Cotinister seeking world domination," he recalls. smile
“Both my parents were gardeners,” he explains. "My dad was the first tomato on the block." He followed his parents' lead for a while, adding things like flower bulbs, until he slowly started noticing changes in his thoughts and in his plants as well. "I kept trying new and unusual things and started looking for plants that could benefit the birds," he explains. Around 2007 he began introducing plants primarily native to Michigan.
"I've always been interested in native plants and my mom has some in her garden," she says, slowly moving towards more native plants while paying more attention to ecology and wildlife. "It kind of dawned on me," he says, adding that he began spending more time at his favorite resources, Mason's Wildtype Native Plant Arboretum and Hidden Savannah in Kalamazoo. He said his appreciation for plants grew, eventually leading to the decision to dedicate his garden exclusively to native species. Of that promise, he says, “We've made each other happy for thousands of years and see where it goes.” “I've decided to garden differently. How I grew up and how my aesthetic changed from gardening for myself to gardening for the planet.
let us go for a walk
Every day the gardens are buzzing with activity, from bees and monarch butterflies to a variety of birds and insects. "There's a lot of life here, better than anything else on TV," he said. The activity is constant. "There is no climax," he said. "When you stop and listen, there are times when you forget you're in the city."
Neat signs in the front and back yards point to a variety of plants, including native Michigan lilies, spider lilies, "vital for bees," she says, "top-blooming" pseudobulbs, and spice shrubs. and his favorite tree, the witch hazel. There's also Joe Pie Weeds, North Sea Oats and even a tall meadow plant called Rattlesnake Master, which he has several of and is very proud of. "They're both so excited that I'm having a baby," she said of a husband. "When they start multiplying, you know you're doing something right."
Regarding different types of roundworms, he may mention his favorite bees (metallic green sweat bees) and horse bees (blank-faced horse bees). He explains that while he welcomes raccoons, possums and "other animals that annoy us and don't understand," "part of my garden is supporting these animals." This sentiment extends to his Black Cat Pottery venture that the English keep in their basements and garages. Sunflower pottery, bird baths and leaf-shaped bird cages - many of which are sold in art galleries and local DIY and garden stores - are found throughout the garden, complementing the natural wonders. "What we're doing with birdhouses is replacing habitats that humans have destroyed," he explained.
The tour is offered by appointment and as an annual event, with the next tour scheduled for August 19th. English also talks about native plants and their gardens, including an upcoming event in Livonia on August 9th and another in Mount Clemens on September 20th. Visit their website (blackcatpottery.com) for more information on upcoming tours, talks and art shows, including this weekend's Stoney Creek Art Fair and next weekend's Belle Isle Art Show. English advises clients on the design of residential and commercial gardens and wildlife habitats. He noted that "everyone is welcome" in his garden. "I love plants. They all have a story and I love sharing it.”
grow yourself
Not everyone appreciates the scenery. "I can't explain to my neighbors what I'm doing here," he explained. He said people who visit his garden often have an "aha moment" when the lights come on and they start to get used to it. "That's what I live for," he said. “The garden is my place of joy. He doesn't want anything from me, but he gives me gifts every day."
Anyone can start small, he says, by adding some native plants to their landscape. "Take your time, do it in parts," he says. He recommends starting with things you are familiar with, such as: B. Columbine and Purple Columbine Good sources are reputable nurseries and places like Cranbrook Plant Rescue.
Through his guided tours, his 'impeccably curated' Little Free Library and his commitment to nature in all its forms, English aims to show others that the smallest shifts in thinking and farming can make a big impact if taken enough. people do. He said he worries about "all the things we've lost, all the things we're going to lose" if things don't change, adding that he sees "a little bit of everything," including bees, birds and butterflies. The caterpillar is in his garden. "I try to convey the message about gardening in a different way," he says. "I can only model the behavior I want to see in the world."
Contact Homestyle columnist Christy Zimeth at trashortreas@aol.com.
