Posts in Educational
April 2025 Native Plant of the Month - Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Mertensia virginica—commonly known as Virginia bluebells—plays a vital role in supporting early-season pollinators at a time when food sources are scarce. Blooming in April, just as many native bees, bumblebees, and butterflies begin to emerge from dormancy, these flowers offer essential nectar and pollen when little else is in bloom. For pollinators, especially those with early flight periods, this dependable native is a lifeline.

If you're looking to bring a touch of spring magic to your garden, Virginia bluebells are an ideal choice. Their delicate bell-shaped flowers and lush green foliage brighten up woodland gardens, shaded borders, or any area with moist, well-drained soil. With their low-maintenance nature and graceful, ephemeral charm, they not only delight the senses but also contribute meaningfully to a healthy and biodiverse garden each spring.

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January Native Plant Of The Month: Baptisia

Baptisia, commonly referred to as false indigo or wild indigo, provides a number of significant benefits during the winter months, even though it is a perennial plant that typically dies back completely to the ground in colder climates. Here’s a closer look at how this remarkable plant can positively contribute to your winter landscape and enhance the overall ecosystem during the colder season:

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Rooftopia's Shift Away from Artificial Turf: Uncovering the Risks Behind the Convenience

Artificial turf, also known as synthetic grass, faux or fake grass, has gained popularity as an alternative to natural grass in various settings such as sports fields, residential lawns, and commercial landscapes. While turf appears to offers many conveniences, our conclusion is that artificial turf (aka Astro Turf) is not good for the environment and may have health risks for children and pets. As a company geared toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, we wanted to express our concerns and provide insight as to why we are choosing not to use artificial turf or plastic plants going forward.

Artificial turf was invented by Monsanto (ah-hem), in the 1960’s for the Houston Astrodome, due to the lack of sun in the stadium. With the rise in popularity to use artificial turf as an alternative or replacement for lawns in shady spaces, high traffic areas like parkways, areas prone to drought where water usage is a concern, muddy spots, or areas frequented by dogs, we recognize why turf seems like a convenient solution in the moment, however there are numerous concerns for the long term affects of using plastic turf and unfortunately the costs outweigh the benefits.

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