On May 30th a group of 18 participants enjoyed touring two properties in DeKalb, Illinois. Both featured native prairie and woodland gardens, and although the properties differed in size, the development of the plantings followed remarkably similar paths. Both Jan Grainger and Karen Matz began creating their gardens when they purchased their homes in the early 2000s.
Through a combination of purchased native plants, rescued plants and seed- grown plantings, their passion over the past 20 years resulted in stunning displays of diverse native species that provide habitat for countless pollinators, birds and other wildlife.
The first stop on the tour was the one-acre Matz-Skowronski property. A large prairie planting graced the front yard, while woodland, plants, native trees and some non- native evergreens bordered the sides and back. Karen identified more than 40 native plant species, and gave us each the list, she noted that nature often determines where plants ultimately thrive. Some species readily reseed and establish themselves in new locations, while others flourish-or fail depending on site conditions.
Karen recommended Wild Strawberry as an excellent “filler” plant because it spreads easily and helps suppress weeds as the garden is becoming established. The front-yard prairie was framed by a neatly mowed perimeter, creating a clear sense of intentional design. This simple technique helps those unfamiliar with prairie gardens recognize the area as a thoughtfully planned landscape.
Although smaller in size, Jan Grainger’s property featured an impressive variety of both woodland and prairie plants. Jan shared numerous stories about plants she had from friends and family over the years. One especially treasured specimen is a 40-year-old Large Flowered Trillium from her mother’s yard in Chicago.
Among her stories was the tale of what she initially thought was an inchworm. She noticed it had been feeding and chewing on Sweet Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa) and decorated its back with yellow flower petals. Later she noticed that purple petals fragments had also been added to the colorful caterpillar’s disguise. Drawing upon her thirty-year career as a biology teacher, Jan researched the insect and discovered that it was the larva of the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth. This remarkable camouflage allows the caterpillar to blend in with the flowers and helps protect it from predators.
Visitors strolling through Jan’s woodland gardens encountered several inviting seating areas designed for quiet reflection and appreciation of nature as well as the fruits of years of dedicated gardening.
Touring both properties was a rewarding experience. As Karen Matz described it, native gardening is “an ongoing discussion with Mother Nature – what we think will work and what actually does.”
Thank you, Karen and Jan, for hosting the May 2026 Let’s Get Dirty on the 30’s Yard Tour.
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