Bayscape Blog 4/18/11

Where to Find Native Plants for your Garden

By Judy DeFiglio

The word is spreading, the awareness is growing, and the converts are in their gardens digging. Everywhere I go people are talking and asking questions about using native plants in their gardens. As we approach Earth Day this week, that’s great news for the environment. If everyone would just take one small step toward reducing the use of fertilizer and other chemicals in their gardens, it would make a big difference to our planet.

Now the problem becomes, where do you find these fabulous native plants that I keep writing about. First, and most importantly, never dig up plants in the wild. They may look spectacular and be just what you want, but they need to stay where they are. They are playing an important role in creating biodiversity, providing habitat and food for wildlife. Too many natives are already being destroyed by overdevelopment and other environmental issues, like invasive species taking over habitat. Always buy your plants from a reliable nursery or garden center. Mail order is an option but be sure they certify that their plants are grown not dug from the wild.

A word of caution, there is no legal definition of “native” plant. While most experts agree that a native is a plant that was growing in an area before European colonization, some use the term very freely to describe any plant that grows in the wild. Also, some writers use the term to mean native to the United States while others mean native to a particular region. It can get confusing. Add to the mix that some large retailers will list a plant as native, but since they have stores all over the US, the plants they sell in NJ as natives are really native to California so they may not perform well in our area. Just do a little research (like reading this blog!) and you’ll know which plants to choose.

The good news is that because there has been such a surge in interest in native plants, growers and garden centers are really making an effort to expand their stock of these great trees, shrubs and perennials. You will find it increasingly easier to find what you are looking for.

Keep an eye out for local environmental groups that may be having plant sales and swaps. It is a great way to get plants that you know are for your area. These groups usually have good information to share as well. Some local events coming up are listed below.

Barnegat Bay Festival -June 5 2011 http://bbp.ocean.edu

D&R Greenway Land Trust’s Native Plant Nursery Spring Sale- April 29 & 30, 2011 www.drgreenway.org/nativeplants.html

Pineland Preservation Alliance Plant Sale- April 30, 2011 www.pinelandsalliance.org

Also the Littoral Society presenting a workshop on becoming a Shore Steward and using native plants in your landscape.

Bayscape Workshop

Saturday, April 30th 10:00 a.m.

Hammett’s Garden Center

Route 9, Forked River

Join Policy Advocate Helen Henderson and Bayscape Horticulturist Judy DeFiglio to learn about Barnegat Bay and the use of native plants in your yard. A presentation will be made to help you plan your Bayscape for Barnegat Bay garden and plants will be available for immediate purchase. Light refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP no later than April 27th. Wendy Kozak 609 709-8196 or e-mail: helen@littoralsociety.org

The American Littoral Society is pleased to welcome Hammett’s Garden Center as our first offical Bayscape nursery!

So there you have it- lots of opportunity to start your native plant garden this season.