On a Saturday morning in June, 14 of us, gardeners all, journeyed to Backyard Nature Preserve and Native Plant Nursery near the Bryn Coed Preserve in Chester Springs. Donna Delany ably and entertainingly implemented their website‘s guiding principle:

“We are happy to share with you what we have learned, so that, together, we can create safe places for bees and butterflies, songbirds and frogs, and all the members of our natural community. Together, we can reverse the tide of species decline, while enriching our own lives with the beauty and wonder of the natural world.”

It was a drippy morning at times and that was fine. Gardeners don’t mind a little moisture—a slight inconvenience to people, a necessity to plants! And speaking of rain, Donna recounted someone complaining to her that this year a certain plant had grown far taller than the height Donna had predicted; it’s all in the rainfall!

Donna‘s philosophy of living with and within the natural world came through in all her comments as she led us among myriad plantings of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Each species, including the large and small fauna that depend on the flora, has its own personality, its own likes and dislikes, that we humans tend to define in terms of sun and shade, damp, and dry, or soil quality. But as gardeners, we learn that we can’t outsmart the plants; we can only give them every opportunity to thrive and then observe their response.

And, Donna said species can learn. Some deal with climate change better than others; some adapt to new conditions or food sources. Do you recall the spotted lantern fly infestation that a few years ago was said to threaten many trees and crops, spreading outward from its first sighting in Berks County? Donna has observed that some birds, which earlier eschewed this exotic invasive, have now become accustomed to devouring these probably succulent protein sources. Nature generally adapts to change, as long as she has time.

Some of us also purchased plants from the garden’s excess. I am eager to see how my new ground cover (a species of Packera, AKA Ragwort) succeeds in an alley where I’ve had trouble establishing suitable growth. If it comes to resemble Backyard Nature Preserve‘s several clumps of large attractive leaves, my goal will be met. Here’s hoping for a return visit someday. And many thanks to Donna and Dave for making their gardens and experience accessible to others!