The Field Journal

The Verdict: Surviving Snow Loads and Lateral Movement The Problem:  Without designated "Snow Storage Zones," plows are forced to stack heavy, salt-laden snow on top of your delicate landscaping or across your primary walkways. The Engineering:  Surviving heavy plows in Michiana requires over-engineering the subgrade with an 18 to 24-inch compacted aggregate base and non-woven geotextile fabric to prevent sinking. The Rule:  Never use cheap plastic edge restraints or mulch i

Summery; Stop fighting the soil:   Granger clay suffocates generic plants, and New Buffalo sand starves them; you must plant species adapted to your specific drainage reality. Anchor your beds mechanically:  Lightweight wood mulch floats away during heavy Michiana rainstorms; replacing it with decorative river rock over woven geotextile fabric permanently stops the washout. Plan for the snow plow:  Piling salt-heavy snow on delicate perennials guarantees winterkill, so hig