Three different gardens highlighting the natural resources of Mendota Heights will be open for free public tours Saturday, July 14, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop at 1704 Vicki Lane to pick up a map.
Over seven years, Leslie Pilgrim has transitioned their half-acre yard to a landscape of native flowers, grasses, shrubs, trees and a refuge for birds and local wildlife. Sprinkled throughout the property are water sources for birds, wind chimes, and whimsical artwork.
In 2012, Sue Light converted her conventional garden and lawn to a native landscape for the health of the small lake behind her home. Since then, no supplemental water, fertilizer or soil amendments have been needed for the lush garden that slopes down to the lake.
When landscaping after a house addition, the Kraus family sought to create an outdoor space that evoked images of the North Shore and included native grasses and plants. Plants were selected to include a mix of different sizes, textures, colors and bloom times, and to attract a variety of birds, insects, and other native critters.
