You are here:
Native Plants/Expert Profile
Expertise
I can answer questions relating to the identification, growing and ethnobotany of native plants in the Midwest and East Coast of the United States, particularly the Great Lakes Region. I am not so good with grasses and I cannot answer questions related to the West Coast or the deep South. Please, don't ask me about nursery ornamentals. I have no interest whatsoever in keeping up with the nursery trade.
Experience in the area
I maintain a half acre woodland garden in Michigan. I have attended many native gardening workshops and I studied field botany in college. I have taken groups on native plant walks.
Organizations
Michigan Native Gardeners Wild Ones
Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a Biology minor.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lulu | 10/15/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | You really helped me THANKS |
| Eileen | 10/15/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much for helping me! |
| Adam | 08/31/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks! What a lovely name :) |
| don | 08/14/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| don | 08/14/09 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 |
Recent Answers from Robin
2009-10-14 nut trees and berries:
Each species is different. As a general rule, the nuts start to ripen and fall as the leaves start to change color. By the time the leaves fall, most of the nuts have fallen. Most berries are done by autumn
2009-10-14 Corn:
Well corn needs water and water is water. It's H20 and I'm not sure there's different kinds or at least I don't know what you mean by that. Most of the nutrients it gets is from the soil and it must be
2009-08-19 plant identification:
Well, I'm not really familiar with the southern states and I find that it's easier to go by fruit and flowers than leaves. Sometimes I'll watch a plant for a whole season before I really know what it is
2009-08-11 limelight hydeanges:
The best way to prevent this from happening is to water really well when you first plant it and to mulch really well. I find they can sometimes be brought back if you neglect this by mulching and watering
2009-07-30 red maple tree:
these make great bonzai, so, my husband the bonzai geek would tell you to just shape the tree around the wire using bonzai techniques. A young tree is pretty flexible. Using wire or rope, you can get
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.