Brambles and vines form an impenetrable mass on the edge of the woods.

Why People Fail at Controlling Invasive Plants

Jen NicholsField Notes

Invasive plant species are a growing concern for ecosystems, economies, and communities across the United States. With an estimated $120 billion spent annually on controlling ecologically damaging species, understanding their impact and how to manage them is more important than ever. This article explores what makes a plant problematic, the ecological and economic risks they pose, and actionable strategies for …

How to Create a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance, Habitat Garden

Jen NicholsField Notes

Many people want a beautiful property, but don’t want to spend their evenings and weekends working in the yard. Since all landscapes require care, follow these tips and create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that is also healthy habitat for humans, and other creatures. What is a Low-Maintenance Habitat Garden? Essentially, a low-maintenance habitat garden works with nature instead of trying …

Designers may generate plans by hand or computer to convey ideas.

What to Know When Working With a Professional Landscape Designer

Jen NicholsField Notes

Working with a professional landscape designer can be a very rewarding experience. Professional designers can turn your dreams and ideas into reality and may help you avoid costly mistakes in the process. They consider the site, seasonal changes, plant requirements, spacing, wildlife, and your vision, and put it all on paper. A landscape designer is a professional who can dream …

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), a white wildflower, New Castle County, Delaware.

6 Steps to Better Spring Cleanups

Jen NicholsField Notes

Traditional spring cleanups often do more harm than good—disrupting pollinators, removing vital habitat, and compromising soil health. An ecological spring cleanup takes a gentler approach, supporting native wildlife and enhancing biodiversity right in your own backyard. Learn how to time your cleanup, what to leave behind, and why “messy” can be beautiful when it comes to sustainable gardening.

The Best Ways to Tackle Snow and Ice at Home

Jen NicholsField Notes, gardens

Whether you love snow or long for the warmth of summer, managing snow on your property is essential for safety. However, before grabbing a bag of salt, consider the cost, your effort, and the environmental impacts. Here’s your ultimate guide to snow removal techniques to help you handle winter effectively and responsibly. Snow Management Techniques: Mechanical, Chemical, and Traction Control …

Fallen leaves and branches provide organic matter for soil.

Ecological Fall Cleanups: Nurturing the Land for the Season Ahead

Jen NicholsField Notes

As the vibrant greens of summer fade into the golds and russets of autumn, many property owners turn their attention to fall cleanups. Traditionally, this has meant raking, blowing, bagging, and hauling — all in the name of a “tidy” landscape. At GreenWeaver Landscapes, we see this season a little differently. Ecological fall cleanups balance beauty and order with ecological …

Shade trees like this oak provide shade in the heat of summer.

Consider a Beautiful Native Shade Tree for Your Landscape

Jen NicholsField Notes

If you are looking for a shade tree to add to your landscape, choose a species that provides cooling relief during the hot summer months and also supports local wildlife and offers year-round beauty. Many trees provide shade and beauty, but only native trees can provide all three of these benefits and more. These are just some of the things …

Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium dubium 'Little Joe') is an excellent pollinator plant. Here a Zebra Swallowtail butterfly is looking for nectar.

Backyard Biodiversity: Turn Your Garden into a Beautiful Wildlife Haven

Jen NicholsField Notes

In today’s increasingly urbanized world, our backyards are more than personal retreats—they are vital ecosystems. Whether sprawling or compact, your outdoor space can support a surprising array of wildlife. Increase backyard biodiversity with thoughtful design and mindful practices, and transform your yard into a thriving habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and beyond. Why Backyard Biodiversity Matters Biodiversity—the variety of life …

Winter: The Best Time to Tackle Invasive Plants

Jen NicholsField Notes, gardens, monthly to do

Some gardening projects, like removing invasive plants are easier to do in the winter. Winter is a great time to tackle invasive plants because leaves have fallen making access to certain “wild” areas easier and making the plants themselves easier to handle. Thorny, invasive plants are also much easier to deal with when wearing long sleeves or a jacket. Invasive …

Fall is for Fire Features: Add One To Your Landscape

Jen NicholsField Notes

While most landscapes are designed to be enjoyed during daylight hours, when autumn rolls around, we have far fewer of those hours to spend outside. If you want a dynamic and inviting fall landscape, use fire features to draw friends and family into the brisk autumn air. Fire features create a reason to gather, socialize, and celebrate with your friends …

Fall Leaves: Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em

Jen NicholsField Notes

How we manage leaves is one of the most financially wasteful and environmentally harmful landscape practices common to our area. The good news is that an ecological approach to leaf management can be embraced by fiscal conservatives and passionate environmentalists alike. So, what is a better way to manage leaves? The answer is the ‘Love ‘em and Leave ‘em’ approach …