Join the Garden Tour
We will be touring Aimee’s Garden on Saturday, July 20th, 2024 from 11 am to 1 pm. Members are encouraged to bring a friend and to carpool. See all of our upcoming events and register for the address on our Events Calendar.
How it Started
Aimee Allard who has lived in her Albany, NY home since 1969, did not start out to create a pollinator garden in her south-facing bed. The skinny piece of grass, between the sidewalk and the street, known as a “Hell Strip” was a problem area. By 2012, she grew tired of looking at this sad area stressed from intense heat, piles of snow, and road salt. Aimee does not describe herself as a fastidious gardener, she just wanted that spot to look good.
She started with the idea of modified “xeriscaping.” Landscaping with plants that require little or no irrigation and can withstand heat.
How it is going
Removing the grass and adding plants that could tolerate strong heat and drought with the help of friends. The bees loved the plants they put in. The plants were not native to this climate, some did not survive more than a few years. Replacing the originals with plants more suited for our climate, though not strictly “native.” Raising zinnias annually and planting in various gardens, including a bed at the back of the property. Rewarded them with many monarch visitors in August and September. Feeding the Monarch caterpillars they planted Asclepia tuberosa (orange butterfly weed). Over time, she has introduced other native plants into her garden spaces.
About Aimee
Aimee came to the native plant movement, within the last decade, through the idea of a “butterfly garden. As a Master Gardener, she was responsible for the Pine Hills Library Butterfly Garden for many years. Learning about various plants that could be utilized in public gardens for demonstration and education. That garden was an inspiration for a home garden, promoting butterflies and other pollinators. Addressing a common garden issue over the last five years she has gradually utilized native plants that the monarch butterflies especially enjoy.
Although the hell strip is not totally “native,” yet. It is somewhat “groomed,” easy to care for, and never needs watering. Hoping to show others what can be done in any size or shape garden, Aimee invites you to visit!
Wild Ones
Wild Ones Capital Region New York is a chapter of a national organization promoting the use of native plants in every garden. Membership is a great way to support this mission on both a local and national level. Check out membership.wildones.org for more details including all the great benefits you will receive as a member. Our local chapter works diligently to provide specific information about our local native plants. Even if you are a Wild One’s member, please consider donating directly to our chapter.