Catchfly Commons is a 1.3 acre residential property on the south side of Delaware in central Ohio. It is within the Olentangy River watershed.  Catchfly Commons hosts approximately 275 species of native herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees planted in a variety of light, moisture, and soil conditions. 

The property was mostly lawn with a few garden beds when the Litchfields purchased the property in 2001. Sustainability and simple living programs raised awareness of the importance of native plants which led to the creation of a prairie plant garden and raised beds for vegetables. In an impromptu fashion, beds were gradually expanded and added to make room for new plants of interest and to reduce lawn.

Three factors fostered the evolution of a unifying purpose and design for the landscape. First, Terri and then Randy became OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and the program developed their general gardening skills. Second, Doug Tallamy’s approach advocating gardening for eco-function and biodiversity (Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope) provided a sense of intentionality and purpose. Third, involvement with research, conferences, and mentors created a knowledge base about native plants, biodiversity, and design. A conversation with a landscape design consultant helped the Litchfields create a master plan for the property.

In 2016, the entire west side yard was converted to native plantings. In 2017, the master plan was implemented via a large border spanning the entire west side of the backyard. At the same time, a native plant border  surrounding vegetable beds and native plant nursery beds was added.  Catchfly Commons has converted over 9,000 square feet of lawn.

Biodiversity has flourished with the extensive native plantings. The Litchfields continue to learn about the flora and fauna in Catchfly Commons aided by macrophotography and tools such as iNaturalist. As of December 2023, they have observed 64 species of adult butterflies and moths, 27 species of caterpillars, 19 species of bees, 14 species of wasps/hornets, and 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Twenty-five species of birds have been observed on the property.

The garden was featured in the March/April 2023 edition of Ohio Magazine (“How to Plant a Native Ohio Garden”). It received first place for Native Plant Garden in the 2018 Columbus Dispatch Backyard Garden Awards. The landscape is a certified wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation and is registered with Home Grown National Parks.

Visit the “About” tab to:

• See how the property has evolved over time
• Learn about how lawn was converted to native plantings
• See the plant list and insect observations list
• Our thanks to those who helped us in some way