Bayscape Blog 11/23/10
Why Native?
Why Native?
Living at the Jersey shore is a dream come true, but, if you are a gardener, it can be a challenge. The sandy soil and intense sun can stress for even the hardiest plants, not to mention the gardener. A good solution is to choose native plants. Natives have adapted to these harsh conditions so they are easy to grow and easy to care for.
Most natives don’t need supplemental water once established. Not only does that make less work for you, but it also makes it easier on your pocket The cost of irrigation can be expensive. Most importantly, this helps to conserve this valuable resource. Running a hose for just one hour uses 375 gallons of water.
Another plus, natives don’t need fertilizer, again, saving both time and money. Matter of fact, if you fertilize natives, the plants will get floppy, weedy and produce fewer flowers. Environmentally, using less fertilizer is essential as we try to prevent the destruction of the Barnegat Bay. Run off from the over use of fertilizer is a major problem for our waterways.
Native plants attract beneficial insects to your garden. These beneficials will take care of the harmful insects on your plants, allowing you to garden without the use of toxic pesticides, another benefit to the environment. Flowering natives also attract butterflies to your garden and provide food for the larvae stage.
Many natives have beautiful fruits, berries and seed heads. These provide food for birds and other wildlife as well as adding interest to your landscape.
Beautiful, low maintenance, economical, and good for the environment, this is a combination that is hard to resist. For list of native plants visit the Littoral Society website at http://www.littoralsociety.org/. Sign up to become a Shore Steward. For more information and ideas on native plants check out the other articles on this blog site. The cold days of winter are coming. While we wait for spring, why not sit back and plan your new garden full of native plants.
Another plus, natives don’t need fertilizer, again, saving both time and money. Matter of fact, if you fertilize natives, the plants will get floppy, weedy and produce fewer flowers. Environmentally, using less fertilizer is essential as we try to prevent the destruction of the Barnegat Bay. Run off from the over use of fertilizer is a major problem for our waterways.
Native plants attract beneficial insects to your garden. These beneficials will take care of the harmful insects on your plants, allowing you to garden without the use of toxic pesticides, another benefit to the environment. Flowering natives also attract butterflies to your garden and provide food for the larvae stage.
Many natives have beautiful fruits, berries and seed heads. These provide food for birds and other wildlife as well as adding interest to your landscape.
Beautiful, low maintenance, economical, and good for the environment, this is a combination that is hard to resist. For list of native plants visit the Littoral Society website at http://www.littoralsociety.org/. Sign up to become a Shore Steward. For more information and ideas on native plants check out the other articles on this blog site. The cold days of winter are coming. While we wait for spring, why not sit back and plan your new garden full of native plants.
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