Beauty: A conversation with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful

One of my favorite things about living in Indianapolis is that there are a lot of passionate people here. No matter what the issue is, you can usually find someone who is advocating for a specific cause.

As you know, taking care of the environment is a big deal to Ben and I which is why we are so lucky to live in the same city as Indy's own Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB). Their presence in this city is a breath of fresh air- literally, because of the thousands of trees they plant! (Shout out to their Tree Team!!) We love staying involved with KIB and guess what! This week my contribution to their "What is Beauty?" blog conversation was published!

You can check it out here! While you are on their site, be sure to read all about ways that those of you in the area can become more involved. They have so many opportunities to be a part of our community's beautification that you just can't help but feel like you are a part of something big. For those of you not in the Indy area- you should still check them out and implement some of their ideas in your own hometown!

A big thank you to KIB for all you do and for allowing me to be a part of the conversation!

The perfect garden read

{felder rushing}

Last weekend my wonderful mother-in-law-to-be gave me a big box of plant starts! There is everything in there from Columbine to my personal favorite- Russian Sage. I am so excited to put them in the ground this weekend and as luck would have it- this is the week that the famous Felder Rushing is at the Indianapolis Museum of Art for the IMA Horticultural Society's Perennial Premiere (this Saturday from 10-5 if you're local!).

I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to run the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful booth at his lecture on Thursday night where two of his books were on sale. It was there that the stars aligned and I found Rushing's "Tough Plants for Northern Gardens". It was a great find and something that I dove into as soon as I got home.  I totally geeked out and have already put sticky tabs on all the plants that are in my hand-me-down plant box.

The book gives a photo as well as a well-written and entertaining description of each plant, the type of sun it needs, how to care for it and even a list of good plants for beginners and master gardeners. He also breaks down the book into chapters on annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, tropicals and vines which makes it really easy to read and a great quick-reference when you need it.

I can't wait to get outside this weekend with my new plants and figure out where to put them thanks to my new book. Hopefully the weather cooperates! And if it doesn't I'll just hunker down and peruse through Felder Rushing's website, which I find highly charming and informative. One disclaimer: if you are going to his website because you want tips on a highly manicured, clean-cut yard you are looking in the wrong place. His stuff is creative, quirky, and lets plants grow and thrive in their naturally wonderful state. I personally find him to be one awesome and far-out dude.