The final Let’s Get Dirty on the 30’s yard tours were held on the afternoon of August 30 in a light drizzle at the Hale and Kielsmeier properties in Oregon, Illinois.
Brian Hale led the tour of his work-in-progress native yard. He and his wife purchased their home in February of 2024 and were initially attracted by the numerous trees but didn’t know what other plants grew on the property. Over time they have identified a mix of native and nonnative plants and consider their progress as “an experiment.” Brian posted lists of all the plants he has planted so far as well as a lists of the birds they have sighted on the property. He began the tour above a wall next to the garage where he did mass plantings in 2024. Brian mentioned that the soil on his property is sandy, which requires consideration on which plants will grow well in that type of soil. He has gradually mowed less and less lawn. In back of the house there is a wooded area that has been left to grow, and they recently purchased the wooded lot next door where he found honeysuckle and garlic mustard, which he’s been eliminating. Brian has an area devoted to Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) and plans to add more mass-plantings in the coming years. In a very short period of time their home is becoming a haven for native plants.
Ken Keilsmeier gave a tour of his yard, which he has been working on for 15 years. His house has no basement because of the sandstone underneath, which is a different soil type than the Hale property. The home is located on sloping ground that requires consideration on where to place native plant species. Even as a child Ken was “into nature” but only in the past 15 years has he become hooked on native plants. Paths are strategically placed through his side yard to better view the numerous native plants. Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) grows all through his yard and tolerates more shade than Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum). The yard includes mature oak trees, many spring ephemerals, a three-row hedge between his driveway and the neighbors featuring Ninebark, (Physocarpus opulifolius), Nannyberries (Viburnum lentago), and Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum). A large a water feature in his backyard attracts birds and frogs and he also raises butterflies and moths. Ken is passionate about helping others develop their native yards and has seed from various native plant species if you need it.
Thank you, Brian and Ken, for hosting the August 2026 Let’s Get Dirty on the 30’s Yard Tours.
NOTE: The gallery below will cycle through photos automatically. If you want to view an image for a longer time, hover your mouse (or finger if viewing this on mobile). On the mobile version, you may swipe left or right to move the photos automatically. Use the previous and next arrow buttons on either side of the photo to move through the gallery.
