Nebraska's gardening enthusiasts are a passionate bunch, and their dedication to sustainable landscaping and native plant species is truly admirable. The annual garden walks organized by PlantNebraska, a nonprofit organization, provide a wonderful opportunity for these gardeners to showcase their hard work and share their knowledge with the community. This year, the event took place in Lincoln, where a handful of dedicated gardeners opened their properties to the public, offering a glimpse into their green havens.
One such couple, Mike and Beth Jensen, has been nurturing their garden for over a decade. Their space is a testament to the joy of gardening, with a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowers. Mike, who retired recently, never imagined becoming a 'big gardener,' but his newfound passion has brought him and his wife closer together. They spend their days tending to their plants, sharing a special bond as they work together.
The Jensens' garden is a sustainable oasis, with a clever hose system for watering and six rain collection barrels for water conservation. They leave the plants to nature, relying on the elements to care for them. The results are impressive, with Mike harvesting over 50 pounds of green beans this year and a bountiful harvest of blueberries, cherries, apples, figs, sweet corn, squash, and more. They even preserve, freeze, and dry their produce, sharing their abundance with friends.
Beth and Mike's advice to aspiring gardeners is simple: start small and grow into your space. They emphasize that gardening should be a personal journey, free from rules. This philosophy aligns with PlantNebraska's mission to help communities thrive by growing plants that support pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
The nonprofit's efforts extend beyond garden walks, as they continue to educate and inspire Nebraskans to embrace sustainable landscaping. With another garden walk event in Omaha on July 14, featuring eight more gardens, PlantNebraska is fostering a community of environmentally conscious gardeners. These events not only showcase the beauty of native plant species but also emphasize the importance of creating habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
In my opinion, the passion and dedication of these gardeners are truly inspiring. It's a reminder that even small changes, like a 10x10 square foot plot with pollinator plants, can have a significant impact on the environment. The joy of gardening, as Mike and Beth Jensen experience it, is a testament to the power of nature and the satisfaction of nurturing a living space. As PlantNebraska continues to educate and inspire, the future of sustainable landscaping in Nebraska looks bright, with these passionate gardeners leading the way.
