Barn Talk: Skip the Mulch! Native Ground Cover Solutions

Say goodbye to boring mulch and hello to a living carpet of flowers and foliage! Let horticulturist Dr. Duncan Himmelman introduce you to a versatile mix of resilient native plants—and a few well-behaved exotics—that act as living mulch, nourishing soil, suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and attracting wildlife. He’ll show you how to select and combine the right plants for sun or shade, dry or damp, and care for them in ways that will boost both the beauty and long-term health of your garden. Learn how to kick the mulch habit and embrace a better alternative.

Duncan Himmelman, PhD, earned his doctorate at Cornell University and taught horticultural science at the college level for 24 years. He later directed adult education programs at the New York Botanical Garden and Mt. Cuba Center, a public garden in Delaware dedicated to native plant conservation. In retirement, he continues to share his passion for plants through teaching, landscape design, and advocating for ecologically sustainable gardening practices.