The document describes the progression of a native garden called Mother Nature's Montrose Garden over several years from 2018-2022. It started with establishing native plants like a hedgerow in 2019. In subsequent years, more native shrubs, perennials and vegetables were planted, along with gravel paths. By 2022, the hedgerow had filled in and bare spots were left for ground-nesting animals, providing food and habitat for local wildlife.

1. Mother Nature’s Garden
Through the Years
Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden

2. 2018 – Before (all pictures from July)

5. 2019 – first year establishing garden

7. Beginnings of native hedgerow

8. 2020 – removing sections of sod

9. Native hedgerow – one year in

10. Second hedgerow started

12. 2021 – planting smaller shrubs, perennials

14. Hedgerow – two years in

16. Raised bed vegetable garden – first year

18. Gravel paths laid – fall, 2021

19. 2022 – filling in the bare spots

20. Hedgerow is almost ready for hedging

21. Bare spaces for ground-nesters behind hedgerows

24. Plenty of food for insects, birds and small mammals

28. Lighting is dramatic, morning and evening