Green Guerrilla

Everyone knows skunk cabbage for melting snow in February or filling the woods with massive tropical-looking leaves by May. But hardly anyone stops to look at how it ends. 🌱➡️💀

​By late summer, those huge cabbage leaves completely liquefy, leaving behind this: a decomposing compound fruit that looks like an alien relic.

​Inside that decaying, blackened mass are dozens of pea-sized seeds. The fruit doesn't wait to be plucked; it actively rots itself down into the forest floor, dropping the seeds straight into the damp muck to restart the cycle.

​Bonus points for the tiny orange waxy cap mushroom photobombing in the background. Nature’s decay is just as fascinating as its bloom.

What an inspiring day at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for their Plant Trial Symposium! After attending their Urban Ecology symposiums for the past several years, this was my first time attending the plant trial event, and the experience was completely reinvigorating. It was incredible to hear from visionary landscape designers:

Brie Arthur on the Foodscape Revolution and integrating herbs and edible plants seamlessly into upfront design. Jeff Epping sharing insights on gravel gardens and his expansive landscape projects (like Epic in Madison, WI). Nick McCullough's (McCullough's Landscape & Nursery) on managing high-end designs with an in-house nursery, custom compost mixing, and full installation crews.

Being surrounded by people who have honed their craft for so long and do it so exceptionally well was deeply refreshing. I’m walking away recharged, energized, and excited to bring these new concepts to our work at Green Guerrilla—expanding what’s possible with native plants and urban ecology!

Green Guerrilla is an award-winning sustainable landscaping company dedicated to building resilient, biodiverse environments across the . 🦊🦋🌼
By pairing ecological design with deep expertise in grant-funded restoration, we bring high-impact green infrastructure to life—from landmark locations like Glenbard West High School and the U.S. Forest Service - Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie to vibrant native gardens right in your backyard!🌎🌳🦋
Let's grow something lasting together. 🌿
www.Green-Guerrilla.com

Thinking about adding native plants to your yard? 🌾

The City of Elgin Sustainability Commission's Pollinators at Home grant offers eligible residents up to $300 in reimbursement for approved native plants, mulch and compost materials when replacing a portion of their lawn with native landscaping.

Native plants are naturally adapted to our region, so they use less water and require less maintenance once established. They also provide important habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife while helping create a healthier, more resilient community.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 31, 2026, for eligible projects completed in 2026 or 2027. Limit one application per household per calendar year.

Learn more about the program, eligibility requirements and how to apply: ElginIL.gov/Sustainability