Plants & Bulbs

» nativechoice - Growing native plants.

If I were to decide to grow all roses or lilies or just perennials little notice would be taken.
So why does interest in such a diverse group of plants as american natives perplex so many people.
Is it just something to write about?
Many native plants are beautiful and easy to grow.
You will not be limited by sun or shade,wet or dry conditions, rich or poor soils.
You can grow many natives in regular garden beds in traditional ways mixed right in with the non-native choices.
Or you can try a more relaxed look that works well as a habitat garden, attracting insects and birds to hang out in your garden.
Some natives have specific requirements to do well for sure. That is part of the allure. Have you ever talked to an orchid enthusiast? Some of us get a bit passionate over the details. It's another niche in the great gardening web.
Gloria

-- posted by nativechoice

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» katycopsey - Growing native plants.

In response to Growing native plants. posted by nativechoice:
.>So why does interest in such a diverse group of plants as american natives perplex so many people.
Is it just something to write about?
Many native plants are beautiful and easy to grow.
You will not be limited by sun or shade,wet or dry conditions, rich or poor soils.
You can grow many natives in regular garden beds in traditional ways mixed right in with the non-native choices.

Gloria
I have absolutely no problem with growing natives and as my article pointed out there are some great reasons to grow them and I do mix them in with my traditionals ones too

I think the problem is that with rosarians and hosta lovers, they do not outwardly promote that you should grow only roses/hostas/daylilies etc. There are however, some very vocal people who advocate we should only grow native plants. I merely pointed out that in doing that, we loose a great many terrific plants that add diversity to the landscape and give many people enjoyment.

As for 'is it just something to write about': yes it is a topic to write about, just as I write about specific plants or groups of plants or garden design. As a writer, I try to appreciate all the different aspects of gardening and sometimes it opens up discussion which is good.

-- posted by katycopsey

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» nativechoice - Right plant for place and purpose...

I can only address how and why plants are used in my own garden.
When deciding what would be planted the Mr and I talked about what purpose the garden would serve in our lives.
First we would like to grow some food for ourselves. Then we would like a space full of growing plants and as much wildlife as our small urban space could accomadate.
Each choice could be looked at to accomplish this.

While looking into plant choices for sustaining a wildlife population we found that many times native species would be the best choice. One reason for this is that the wildlife and the plant life evolved over time together. Human interference while complex is still fairly recent in world history.
Problems of disturbance to habitat can not be completely overcome but can be looked at the same way any natural disturbance would be dealt with. Floods, storms, fire happen, flora and fauna recover. Populations explode , crash, recover. It is the way of the intricate web called life on earth.

We learned to evaluate the climate, the soil and the species of wildlife that could or should be found in this area. We also learned that food and water are only part of the picture. A habitat that supports reproduction and provides protection during the changing seasons and life cycles of wildlife must be part of the picture to be successful to our purpose.

And so native species of plants became a valuble resource. Whenever choosing even food plants for ourselves this criteria is taken into account. Berries and nuts ,prairie roses that produce hips,
greens to flavor salads, herbs with which to cook,foods that we enjoy and serve a double purpose.

I'm not saying this is the route for everyone or that it is the only answer. But it is another successful way to look at the garden.

This article of yours inspired me to start a blog at Blogspot.com entitled 'Pollinators welcome'. I'm hoping to meet other gardeners of like mind.
http://pollinators-welcome.blogspot.com/

-- posted by nativechoice

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» katycopsey - Right plant for place and purpose...

In response to Right plant for place and purpose... posted by nativechoice:

I'm not saying this is the route for everyone or that it is the only answer. But it is another successful way to look at the garden.

This article of yours inspired me to start a blog at Blogspot.com entitled 'Pollinators welcome'. I'm hoping to meet other gardeners of like mind.

I am glad that you found a great way to garden that nourishes both you and the local wildlife. I wish you luck with your garden and your blog!
Kate

-- posted by katycopsey

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