| Author |
Garden Gate:  Plant native!  |
|
|
Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
|
|
Pavla
Farmgirl in Training
22 Posts
Pavla
Grandville
MI
USA
22 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 07:37:48 AM
|
| Lately there has been a huge movement toward native plants, in our area mainly because people are looking for things drought tolerant and low care. I do however, must interject a word of caution to those planning on using native plants. I myself like natives, but they are not always easier to grow and more low care than hybridized cultivars. The thing is that a lot of natives grow only in specific conditions which are difficult to reproduce in the garden. For example, trillium is native in Michigan woods, but in the pot and in the garden it may be difficult to bring them out of dormancy. Another example is Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed) which is absolutely gorgeous in the woods, but are very difficult to overwinter in the garden. Out in the woods where it is not touched it grows like mad, but in the garden is another thing entirely. Lobelia (cardinal flower) is another such plant that is very difficult to purposely grow, but loves moist woodland conditions. Didn't mean to rain on your parade, like I said I love natives too, but you still have to do your research if you want stuff to survive in your garden. Native does not always mean easier to grow and better suited to the garden. Hope it is okay that I interjected, I do not mean to offend!! |
 |
|
|
Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
|
|
KansasConnie
True Blue Farmgirl
69 Posts
Connie
Atchison County
Kansas
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 09:33:49 AM
|
Both of you ladies make great points! Some friends of mine have a lovely, exclusively native flower garden. They achieve this by maintaining a natural area for the plants to flourish in. They hand weed as needed; cultivate very little and mow only a narrow path for visitors to stroll along.
Another caution is there are many natives that are also considered invasive species. For example: while purple thistle is beautiful, it is on the invasive list in our area. |
|
|
|
ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4737 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4737 Posts |
Posted - Sep 04 2008 : 6:57:20 PM
|
I've been read a new book that just came out called, "The Informed Gardener" by Linda Chalker-Scott. She says that urban areas have markedly different environmental conditions than the original landscape. That actually native plants don't do well in these areas. Fertilizers, wind tunnels & reduced light created by buildings, heat & salt from pavement, soils that were heavily disturbed & compacted are just a few of the things that native plants can't deal with. It is best to find plants that are non-native & are better suited for these conditions.
I still like to buy native plants that do survive no matter what is thrown at them though. I observe them in neighboring landscapes & botanical gardens by me before buying any. With a bit of research, I'm sure everyone can find some natives that can survive their yard.
Dawn in IL |
|
|
| |
Garden Gate: Plant native! |
|
Plant native!
and a word of advice is never to be taken wrong. Thank you.