Naturelady's Garden Walk
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Naturelady’s Garden Walk
Monday, August 24, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (Central Time)
4007 Glen Oaks Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51104
Having worked in conservation for more than four decades, it is only natural that I try to bring a little nature to my own yard. I grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa, and my mother was my mentor and role model. She initiated the Master Gardener program in my home county and was integral in establishing a local herb club. My official native gardens began in 2021, when I planted the narrow strip on south side of my house, just adjacent to my neighbor. I was tired of mowing that small area and dodging the air conditioning unit. The dozen small wild strawberry plants quickly took root, as did the sedges and wild onions. I am happy to say I have not mowed that area for five years!
I expanded my native beds to surround my back deck. Each year I add new species from the LHWO plant sales. The steep slope that was difficult to mow is now covered with sun-loving native plants. I retain my non-native favorites like iris, bleeding heart, daisies, and peonies to remind me of my grandma and mom, but I strive to have 75-80% native plants. My yard is on the map with Homegrown National Park, and I keep expanding my beds so that I have more pollinator habitat and less lawn. I do not use any herbicides or pesticide—diversity is key in my mind—but I will hand dig dandelions to keep my neighbors happy.
My front yard includes a magnolia tree with a native shade garden underneath to create a soft landing for insect larvae and wildlife. In 2025 Glen Oaks Boulevard was torn up and resurfaced. I took that opportunity to plant native buffalo grass in the hell strip between the sidewalk and the curb. The buffalo grass takes time to establish, so I must be patient (and so do my neighbors)!
I enjoy being part of Loess Hills Wild Ones and the Sioux City Garden Club and advocate for native plants and pollinator gardens as much as possible. The Sioux City Garden Club celebrated its 100th anniversary this year and I proudly have one of their bur oak trees planted in my front yard.
I am happy to host this garden walk, and I hope members from both clubs and any interested people will get some ideas and inspiration from my yard while enjoying some camaraderie and refreshments.
This garden walk is co-sponsored by the Sioux City Garden Club. Host: Dawn Snyder
All garden walks are free, open to the public, and open yard style. Come and go as you please. The Loess Hills chapter of Wild Ones is a non-profit organization that promotes planting native landscapes, both small and large, in Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Native plants attract pollinators and other wildlife, enhancing your home and the environment. For more information visit https://loesshills.wildones.org; Loess Hills Wild Ones on Facebook, or email [email protected].
Monday, August 24, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (Central Time)
4007 Glen Oaks Blvd., Sioux City, IA 51104
Having worked in conservation for more than four decades, it is only natural that I try to bring a little nature to my own yard. I grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa, and my mother was my mentor and role model. She initiated the Master Gardener program in my home county and was integral in establishing a local herb club. My official native gardens began in 2021, when I planted the narrow strip on south side of my house, just adjacent to my neighbor. I was tired of mowing that small area and dodging the air conditioning unit. The dozen small wild strawberry plants quickly took root, as did the sedges and wild onions. I am happy to say I have not mowed that area for five years!
I expanded my native beds to surround my back deck. Each year I add new species from the LHWO plant sales. The steep slope that was difficult to mow is now covered with sun-loving native plants. I retain my non-native favorites like iris, bleeding heart, daisies, and peonies to remind me of my grandma and mom, but I strive to have 75-80% native plants. My yard is on the map with Homegrown National Park, and I keep expanding my beds so that I have more pollinator habitat and less lawn. I do not use any herbicides or pesticide—diversity is key in my mind—but I will hand dig dandelions to keep my neighbors happy.
My front yard includes a magnolia tree with a native shade garden underneath to create a soft landing for insect larvae and wildlife. In 2025 Glen Oaks Boulevard was torn up and resurfaced. I took that opportunity to plant native buffalo grass in the hell strip between the sidewalk and the curb. The buffalo grass takes time to establish, so I must be patient (and so do my neighbors)!
I enjoy being part of Loess Hills Wild Ones and the Sioux City Garden Club and advocate for native plants and pollinator gardens as much as possible. The Sioux City Garden Club celebrated its 100th anniversary this year and I proudly have one of their bur oak trees planted in my front yard.
I am happy to host this garden walk, and I hope members from both clubs and any interested people will get some ideas and inspiration from my yard while enjoying some camaraderie and refreshments.
This garden walk is co-sponsored by the Sioux City Garden Club. Host: Dawn Snyder
All garden walks are free, open to the public, and open yard style. Come and go as you please. The Loess Hills chapter of Wild Ones is a non-profit organization that promotes planting native landscapes, both small and large, in Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Native plants attract pollinators and other wildlife, enhancing your home and the environment. For more information visit https://loesshills.wildones.org; Loess Hills Wild Ones on Facebook, or email [email protected].
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Where is it happening?
4007 Glen Oaks Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51104-4314, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherLoess Hills Wild Ones
