Bayscape Blog 11/2/11
Native Plant List

What a great turnout today for our Littoral Society presentation on Bayscaping for Barnegat Bay that was held at Crestwood Village. As promised, here is the list of Native Plants that were recommended. Check out the previous blogs for additional information on these great plants and more.

Native Trees & Shrubs
Amelanchier canadensis- serviceberry
Aronia arbutifolia- chokeberry
Cercis Canadensis- redbud
Clethra alnifolia- sweet pepperbush
Fothergilla gardenii- bottlebrush bush
Hydrangea quercifolia- oakleaf hydrangea
Ilex glabra- inkberry holly
Itea virginica- Virgina sweetspire
Kalmia latifolia- mountain laurel
Magnolia virginiana- sweetbay magnolia
Myrica pensylvanica- northern bayberry
Prunus maritima- beach plum
Viburnum dentatum- arrowood

Native Perennials
Amsonia tabernaemontana- blue star
Aquilegia canadensis- columbine
Aruncus diocicus- goats beard
Asclepia incarnata- swamp milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa- butterfly weed
Aster novae-angliae- New England Aster
Baptisia australis- false indigo
Coreopsis lanceolata- lance leaf tickseed
Clematis virginiana- sweet autumn clematis
Echinacea purpurea- purple coneflower
Eupatorium coelestinum- hardy ageratum
Eupatorium perfoliatum- boneset
Gaillardia- blanket flower
Helenium autumnale- sneezeweed
Heliopsis helianthoides- false sunflower
Hibiscus moschuetos- hardy hibiscus
Liatris spicata- gayfeather
Lobelia cardinalis- cardinal flower
Monarda didyma- bee balm
Oenothera fruiticosa- sundrops
Penstamon digitalis- foxglove beard tongue
Rudbeckia hirta- black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia triloba- brown-eyed Susan
Solidago sempervirens -seaside goldenrod

Another Successful "Bayscape for Barnegat Bay"

Native Plant Demonstration GardenProgram reduces water use, fertilizers, pesticides and creates natural habitats Supports Governor Christie's Goal for Public Education

Toms River, Ocean County: On Monday, October 31st, the American Littoral Society announced the completion of another "Bayscape for Barnegat Bay" native plant garden project.The Laurel Commons Condominium Association, located off Old Freehold Road in the Long Swamp Creek subwatershed of the Toms River and Barnegat Bay, unveiled 3 native plant demonstration gardens that will serve as natural landscape alternatives that can be replicated throughout their 22-acre, 220 unit community and also be used as models for other communities to follow suit.

The gardens were designed by the Society's native plant consultant and horticulturist, Judy DeFiglio of Garden Guidance. The installation and hardscaping were provided by Down to Earth Landscaping.

Helen Henderson, Policy Advocate said Laurel Commons is a leader in community stewardship for protecting and restoring Barnegat Bay. "From the Society's perspective, it is especially important for homeowners in the highly developed areas of the Barnegat Bay watershed like Toms River to see examples of good stewardship like this," she stated. "We are fortunate that the association's board wanted to be proactive in doing their part to protect and restore the Bay through their personal landscape choices".

On October 22nd at the Society's 50th Annual Meeting in Cape May, Laurel Commons Condominium Association was conferred the organization's Citizen Advocate Award.The condo association's Vice-President Paul Krauss contacted the Society 2 years ago amidst growing concerns he had about the declining health of the Bay."I was greatly disturbed by what I saw happening. Stinging sea nettles and algae blooms were causing my grandchildren to stop participating in 'Grandpa's Camp' which for years consisted of boating, water skiing and swimming in the Bay" stated Krauss. "My grandchildren simply didn't want to come in contact with the polluted water anymore so I was forced to sell my boat".

Mr. Krauss, currently Vice-President of the community's board, contacted the Society and took the lead in convincing his homeowner's association to take actions on their property to help restore Barnegat Bay. To that end, the community will be reducing their lawn areas by 20%; replacing ornamental gardens onsite with native plant gardens; and participating in stormwater basin studies and retrofits to reduce nutrient pollution in stormwater runoff (nitrogen and phosphorus) that are harming the Bay.

The gardens at Laurel Commons are the latest in the series of "Bayscape" gardens being installed throughout the watershed as part of the Society's Shore Stewards program. The program, aimed at reducing the need for fertilizers and pesticides; conserving water; and creating improved habitats for species such as birds, bees and butterflies supports the Public Education Action Item #8 of Governor Christie's Barnegat Bay Plan.

The condo association committed $10,000 of their own money to the "Bayscape" project, with help from matching funds the Society received from the Trust for Public Land's Barnegat Bay Environmental Grant Fund. The project will be identified with signage on the property.

Additional "Bayscape for Barnegat Bay" gardens have been completed in the Bay's watershed, including: numerous private homeowner residences; the Maris Stella Retreat and Conference Center in Harvey Cedars, LBI; the Morning Star Presbyterian Church, Bayville; and plans are currently underway for a garden at Jake's Branch County Park, Berkeley.

This year, the Society also enlisted its first official "Bayscape" retail nursery supplier at Hammett's Garden Center in Forked River.

For those interested in learning more about "Bayscaping", the Society will hold a workshop this Wednesday, November 2nd at the Hilltop Clubhouse, Crestwood Village 5, 325 School House Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 at 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Helen Henderson at 732.575.5701

About the American Littoral Society: The American Littoral Society is a membership-based, coastal conservation non-profit organization headquartered on Sandy Hook in Highlands New Jersey. For more than 50 years, it has empowered people to care for the coast through advocacy, conservation, and education. To learn more, visit www.littoralsociety.orghttp://www.littoralsociety.orghttp//www.littoralsociety.org/.

About the Trust for Public Land: The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. TPL has protected more than 24,000 acres in New Jersey, including over 11,000 acres in the Barnegat Bay watershed. To learn more, visit w.tpl.org/newjerseyhttp://www.tpl.org/newjersey.

About the Laurel Commons Condominium Association: The Laurel Commons Condominium Association represents the residents of Laurel Commons, a 22-acre community of 230 condominium units on Carnation Circle in Toms River, NJ that has been serving the community for over 20 years.

Beautyberry- Callicarpa americana


Bayscape Blog 10/7/11

The Fall Garden

by Judy DeFiglio

No one can argue that the flowers of spring and summer are gorgeous and plentiful, but if you think that your garden is done when summer ends, boy are you wrong! There is so much to see and enjoy in the fall garden, and if you’ve been including native plants in your landscape you will really get a beautiful autumn spectacular.

Many of our native perennials are bursting with colorful flowers. Deep, rich shades of purple, pink and yellow can light up your landscape. New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) not only gives your garden beautiful late season color but also provides food for butterflies. Goldenrod (Solidago) add sprays of bright yellow to the scene. Another yellow fall bloomer with a unique blossom is Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale. For a wetter site, chose pink Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum). These tall natives are a real focal point and also attract butterflies.

You can leave the seed heads of spent summer blooms to give additional texture and create interest to your garden bed. This will also attract a wide variety of birds to your yard. They are fun to watch and provide extra color. For instance, goldfinches absolutely love the seeds of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). The sight of these bright yellow birds perched on the black seed heads makes your garden pop with color.

Don’t forget the autumn leaves. Fall color is an important part of your landscape design. Be sure to include leaf color when you plan your landscape. Lots of people know the leaf color of their trees, but, you can really extend your fall season of interest if you also include shrubs and perennials that have interesting leaf color.

While on the subject of leaves, don’t forget the evergreens. An evergreen tree or shrub will provide a green background for blooms all year long. It also gives you something colorful and interesting to look at when all the rest of the leaves are gone. A good choice for a versatile native, evergreen shrub is Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra). Unlike traditional holly, the leaves are small and smooth. It is more “user friendly” no need to worry about getting stabbed by sharp leaves. Inkberry can be pruned or sheared to keep it more compact, or even shaped, if that’s your style. No flashy flowers, but it has interesting black berries in fall. It blends well with all other plant material in your garden and helps create winter interest.

Many native shrubs deliver a bonus to the fall garden with their berry displays. The American beautyberry (Callicarpa Americana) has dense clusters of violet berries, while the Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) has abundant red berries that last throughout the winter. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is not an evergreen holly. It loses its leaves, the better to see its dense bright red berries. The elderberries, black elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) with its purple-black fruit or red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) are a worthy addition to the fall garden. These shrubs do tend to get large but if you have the space they make quite an impact.

No discussion on fall gardens would be complete without including ornamental grasses. This is certainly when they look their best. As may be expected, I recommend planting some of the great native ornamental grasses. If you want a large, impressive display, try Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a 3 to 4 foot tall blue-green grass with attractive fall and winter color. If space is an issue, plant Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and elegant bunch grass that grows 18 to 36 inches tall and turns a rich shade of red in the fall.

Fall is a beautiful time in the garden. In addition, all of these natives I’ve suggested not only add color and interest to your landscape, but also are low maintenance and good for the environment. You don’t need to fertilize them so there is no fertilizer run- off to pollute our waterways. Isn’t it great when everyone wins!

Remember to become a Shore Steward. You don’t have to live on the shore to make a difference in the quality of the water flowing into Barnegat Bay. Don’t landscape, Bayscape. Choosing native plants will give you a beautiful landscape that requires no fertilization, so there will be much less pollution flowing into the waterways. Go to www.littoralsociety.org for more information.

Bayscape Blog 09/07/11

Time to Tackle Your Garden

September has arrived, school is back in session, and all that’s left of summer is the 1000 photos you took on summer vacation. If you are a gardener that’s all good news! Fall is the best time of all in the garden. The weather is starting to cool, so you can tackle all those projects you tried to do in July when it was over 100 degrees. Summer flowers are fading and as you cut off the spent foliage look for any empty spots that could use additional plants. Take some time to assess your garden to see what worked and what didn’t work this growing season and also what plants made you work. Then, let the fun begin, and get some new plants for your garden.

Yes, fall is the best time to add new plants to your landscape. If you are buying plants there are lots of sales going on, because retailers don’t want to care for plants over the winter. If you are looking for “free” plants, try trading with fellow gardeners. Many are digging and dividing now and have lots of extras to trade or give away. The weather is good for planting and there is enough time before winter weather arrives for the plants to adapt to their new home.

No matter if you are starting a new garden or renovating an existing one, the hardest part is selecting new plants. Where do you start? It can be really difficult to limit your choices. There are so many worthy plants available and we gardeners want them all! Make the process easier by choosing native plants. Read through the older posts on this blog to get ideas. You are sure to find some sensational natives to add to your garden.

The goal of any garden should be to have at least three seasons of interest, another good reason to turn to natives. Many natives have multiple seasons of interest. A good example is the native shrub chokeberry (Aronia). It has clusters of small white flowers in the spring, followed by a spectacular display of red berries that last from late summer until the end of winter and great red fall color too. Try a viburnum dentatum, with white flowers in spring, dark blue-black fruit in late summer and sizzling red fall color. For flowers, choose native perennials with long bloom times, interesting seed heads and good fall color. For additional interest in your landscape select flowers that will attract butterflies or hummingbirds. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberose) will guarantee monarch butterflies and hummingbirds love cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis).

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received for choosing plants is “don’t fight the sight”. In other words, choose a plant that works in your space instead of choosing a plant and then trying to change the space so that the plant will survive there. Put sun lovers in sun and shade lovers in shade. If the plant is drought tolerant don’t plant it in a spot that is irrigated. If you have a wet site in your garden go with plants that enjoy wet feet. Plants will be happier, healthier, look better and require much less of your time.

Remember to become a Shore Steward. You don’t have to live on the shore to make a difference in the quality of the water flowing into Barnegat Bay. So this month don’t landscape, Bayscape. Choosing native plants will give you a beautiful landscape that requires no fertilization, so there will be much less pollution flowing into the waterways. Go to www.littoralsociety.org for more information.

Bayscape Blog 8/10/11

The Beauty and Benefits of Native Plants

By Judy DeFiglio

I just returned from the vacation of a lifetime, a fantastic trip to Alaska. I expected breath taking scenery, mountains, glaciers and lots of wild life and it did not disappoint. It is a truly majestic place, where you feel the power of nature like nowhere else. What I didn’t expect, was the enormous amount of flowers. Native plants were blooming everywhere, from Fairbanks to Ketchikan. What a spectacular sight.

I had the opportunity to go on a nature hike up the side of Mount Roberts in Juneau, and there, at 1800 feet, I was surrounded by a sub alpine meadow full of blooms. What was even more amazing, I recognized most of them. There were many of the same wildflowers we have in New Jersey or close cousins. Imagine my surprise, to travel to the other side of North America and see the same plants I have been growing in my garden! Of course they were blooming at a different time. Many of our spring bloomers were blooming in late July.

The difference I noted was that in Alaska not only do these native plants spring up all over in the wild, but also, everyone grows them in their gardens as well. Alaskans seem to understand the beauty of native plants and the benefits of including them in their landscape. The growing season is short but the summer days are long with eighteen to twenty hours of sunlight. You do see lots of container gardens filled with traditional annual bedding plants to provide constant color for those few short months, but for their gardens they choose natives because they know that the natives will survive the long, brutal winter and be back next year.

The Alaskan gardener also gardens for the wildlife. They are sure to plant natives that attract birds and lots of plants that produce berries to provide a food source for animals. Blueberry bushes are as popular in Alaska as they are in New Jersey.

Maybe we need to take a lesson from our 49^th State- accept the climate we live in and grow the plants that are happy here, instead of importing non natives that will never grow properly or become invasive and threaten our environment. We all need to do our part to save our waterways. Planting native plants in your garden is an easy, beneficial, and beautiful way to help. No fertilizer= no fertilizer runoff.

The natives in my garden are thriving despite the weeks of 100 degree weather, not so the few remaining exotics. I was fortunate to miss the heat wave will I was in Alaska, needing hat and gloves to visit the snow and ice covered glaciers. Since I wasn’t home, my garden was on its own. I’m happy to say that flowering in my garden right now are:

Perennials: Black-eyed-Susans (Rudbeckia), Blanket flower (Gaillardia), Blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), Gayfeather (Liatris), Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum), Phlox (Phlox paniculata), Purple coneflower (Echinacea), Rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Threadleaf tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata)

Shrub: Sweet pepper bush (Clethra alnifolia), Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) Many other native shrubs are starting their berry display.

Bayscape Blog 7/11/11

The Butterfly Bonus

by

Judy DeFiglio

Last week I shared with you, my joy at watching a family of hummingbirds visit my Monarda all day long. Today, I want to keep the (garden) party going and add the bonus of butterflies. As I walked around the garden yesterday pulling some weeds and seeing if anything new was blooming, I was delighted by so many different butterflies gliding around my garden. What a sight! The flowers were gorgeous, so plentiful this year, but the extra splashes of color from the butterflies just added the crowning touch. What did I do to create this masterpiece of nature? I just planted the native plants that butterflies need and love.

Back in the blog of 9/27/10, Butterflies in Your Garden, I described what a butterfly needs to make your garden its home. This blog I want to focus on the flowers that you can grow to attract the butterflies. These plants are mostly for sunny spots because butterflies need the sun to be able to fly. Grow a variety of plants that bloom at different times and you will provide food for the different butterfly and their larvae throughout the season.

Spring blooming Bluestar(Amsonia tabernaemontana), has pretty, light blue star shaped flowers on 3 foot tall stems. It is an early nectar source for several butterflies. The foliage has good yellow fall color.

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) tops the list if you want to attract monarch butterflies. This bright orange flowered plant loves it hot and dry. It grows 12 to 30 inches tall and thrives in our sandy soil. Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate) is another milkweed that attracts monarchs. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and as the name implies, likes a wetter site. The flowers are pink.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) grows 2 to 3 feet tall with large, dark pink flowers and provides nectar for a wide variety of butterflies (pictured above). It blooms all summer long. Another summer bloomer that looks good with coneflower in your garden and attracts many different butterflies is blazing star (Liastris spicata). The 3 to 4 foot tall spikes of pinkish-purple flowers add a great accent to your landscape design.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) are the workhorse of any summer garden. The long lasting, bright yellow flowers are drought tolerant. Butterflies love them and so do I.

If you have the space, Joe-Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) will bring monarchs and swallowtails to your garden. This great plant with pinky, fuzzy flowers can grow up to 8 feet tall and like moist soil.

Asters (Asrer novae-angliae) are a great choice to attract butterflies later in the season. They can grow up to five feet tall, and the violet flowers look great in a fall garden. Another late bloomer that butterflies love is goldenrod (Solidago). The abundant, golden yellow flowers add a burst of color when most everything else in your garden has given up (and no they don’t cause hayfever).

Try some of these native plants in your garden. Not only will you get beautiful flowers, but also the added bonus of butterflies. Isn’t it wonderful that doing something so good for the birds, bees, butterflies and Barnegat Bay can bring such beauty and joy to ourselves too.

One of the jewels in my garden. Happy 4th of July

Bayscape Blog 6/1/11


The Jewels in My Garden

By Judy DeFiglio



I woke up to the perfect summer day today. Sunny and warm with a soft breeze and no humidity, it can’t get better than this. No wait, it did get better! I stepped out on the deck to enjoy my morning tea and was greeted by this amazing addition to my garden. Sparkling like a jewel in the sunshine, this industrious hummingbird was hard at work among the monarda. He even stayed long enough for me to run inside for my camera. What a beautiful way to start the day.

This is the kind of bonus you get when you plant natives in your garden. You can attract hummingbirds to your yard without having to bother with feeders, having to boil sugar water and washing out the tubes. Plant beebalm (monarda) and the hummingbirds come. Monarda is easy to grow and is very fragrant both the flowers and the leaves. It does belong to the mint family and can spread quickly. It is not difficult to remove but still, I plant it in lean soil and do not water or fertilize it.

Another native that attracts hummingbirds is gayfeather (Liatris). These three feet tall spires of rosy-purple flowers look great planted with coneflowers (Echinacea) and black-eyed-Susans (Rudbeckia) in a summer garden. Liatris also attracts a variety of butterflies. It’s easy to grow and easy to care for.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a hummingbird magnet. The bright, red, tubular flowers are one of their favorites (and one of mine too). This native tends to be short-lived, but it is so pretty it is well worth it for however long it stays around. It does needs moist soil, so it is a good plant for a wet site or rain garden.

Hummingbirds will also visit your garden if you plant our native columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis). They are an important source of nectar because they bloom at the time that the hummingbirds are migrating north in the spring. I love these red and yellow flowers with their interesting spurs.

If you are looking for a flowering shrub that attracts hummingbirds, sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) is a great choice. This is a versatile plant that will grow in sun or shade and in wet or dry sites. The white flowers are fragrant and there is a pink form available. One cultivar is aptly named “Hummingbird”.

Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is a hardy, fast growing vine that will grow in any soil. It can take dry, infertile soil and even salt spray from the ocean, but do not plant this one in fertile soil or it will take over your garden. That being said it is a spectacular native plant and hummingbirds love the large red trumpet shaped flowers. Grow it on something sturdy. It can be pruned back if it gets too large.

Try one or all of these native plants in your landscape and enjoy the extra special treat of these jeweled visitors to your garden.

Bayscape Blog 6/22/11

Hot Color for a Hot Summer

By Judy DeFiglio

What a great spring this has been. The blossoms on every tree, shrub and flower have been spectacular and abundant. Maybe that long snowy winter was worth it. The plants sure seem to have liked it. Now summer has arrived with another round of great native plants to put on their show. As the heat kicks it up a notch so does the color in the garden. Lots of the wonderful, drought tolerant natives that bloom in summer have intense colors: sizzling reds, hot oranges and deep golden yellows. Use these to add a spark to your landscape. Bright colors can really give a lift to a tired yard. A word of caution, don’t get carried away by making your whole garden look like it is on fire. Too many “hot” plants close your garden in and make it feel small. Too many intense colors give the garden a chaotic feel instead of the calm, serene feeling we usually like in our garden sanctuaries. Add a few areas of green, white or pastel flowers throughout your landscape to calm and cool things down .

Here are some native plants that welcome the heat of summer and add a great splash of color to your landscape. They can take the heat, they like it dry and an additional bonus, they all attract butterflies to your garden:


 Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa grows 2-3 feet tall with whorls of fragrant pink flowers.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) grows 2 to 4 feet tall with golden yellow flowers.

Blanketflower (Gaillardia ) 12 to 24 inches tall with red daisy-like flowers tipped with yellow. They bloom all summer long.

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) grows 2 to4 feet tall with spikes of pinkish purple flowers.

Butterfly weed, (Asclepias tuberosa) 24 inches tall with bright orange clusters of flowers.

New England Aster (Aster Novae-Angliae) up to 60 inches tall with violet to purple flowers in late summer. Attract butterflies

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) grows 36 inches tall with rosy pink flowers.

Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) 2 to 4 feet tall with masses of golden yellow flowers in late summer.



Don’t forget that native grasses make a wonderful addition to your drought tolerant garden. They add movement, color, texture and interest that lasts through several seasons. A perfect choice to plant between two hot colored plants that may need a little help to blend well together.



Bitter switchgrass (Panicum amarum)- clump forming grass that gets 3 to 4 foot tall it. It can be grown right on the dunes.

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)-grows up to 3 feet tall and turns a rich shade of red in the winter.

Northern Sea oats ( Chasmanthium latifolium)3 to 4 feet tall with interesting seed heads in fall.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgata) a blue-green bunch grass with attractive fall and winter color it grows 4 to 5 feet tall. a great choice to replace Miscanthus



Keep following this blog for updates on several native plant gardens that are in development around Ocean County. Jakes Branch has started their Native Plant Trail adding 70 new native shrubs and trees along the trail (see picture) and several display gardens are in development. The Ocean County Master Gardeners are currently adding a native garden to their display garden in front of the Ocean County Agriculture Office on Whitesville Rd. When completed these gardens will be great resources for residents to visit to get ideas and information on how to start their own native plant garden.

Bayscape Blog 5/12/11

Beautiful Baptisia

by Judy DeFiglio

If you are looking for a spectacular plant for your spring garden consider the Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo). Big, bold, blue and beautiful, this plant has it all. The intense violet-blue pealike flowers on four foot tall stems really command attention. The leaves are an interesting blue-green color with an oblong shape. The flowers are long lasting and followed by two inch long black seed pods that add an additional season of interest to your landscape. The plant emerges in spring with flower stalks that look almost like asparagus, then grows several feet to bloom in mid May.

Baptisia prefer full sun but can grow in part shade. They have a deep taproot and do not like to be divided or moved, so plant them where you want them to grow. I recommend you plant them in the back of the border or center of an island bed. Though this is a perennial, it is shrub-like in appearance and gets three to four feet wide, so give it room to grow. Even after the flowers fade this is a plant that will look good in your garden. It may be large but it is not sprawling and retains a nice vase-like shape.

This native plant grows well in our sandy soil, but enjoys a bit of compost mixed in, especially if you are growing it at the beach. It even has a good degree of salt tolerance. Since it is in the legume family it has nitrogen-fixing ability so no fertizer is needed, great news for our environment.

While the blue is my favorite, there are also white and yellow flowered varieties of Baptisia. All of them put on an impressive display.

I am very excited about all the enthusiastic gardeners I am meeting as I continue to spread the word on using native plants to beautify their landscape and help the environment. I will be posting updates on workshops and lectures and hope to meet lots more of you in the future. Become a member of the Littoral Society and receive emails of upcoming events at http://www.littoralsociety.org/

Bayscape Blog 5/6/11

Spring Beauties

By Judy DeFiglio

What a gorgeous spring we are having this year! I can’t remember when we have had such a beautiful display of spring flowering trees and shrubs. I have so many blooms on my dogwoods, redbuds and fothergilla it is amazing. The chokeberries are opening and the viburnums are ready to burst. I am so happy I switched to all these native plants a few years ago, the rewards are endless, and the only work I had to do this spring was rake some leaves, which I used in my compost pile, and renew some mulch in my garden beds.

You can send me all the glossy catalogs you want advertising the top 10 new plants for 2011, I admit they are pretty to look at, but, what really makes my heart skip a beat is stepping outside and seeing the beautiful, uniquely shaped blossoms on my old fashioned bleeding hearts ( Dicentra eximia). This native perennial has arching stalks of pink, heart- shaped flowers, grows 18 inches tall and is a spring bloomer that puts on quite a show. It can take some morning sun but prefers some shade in the afternoon. The foliage is fern like and greenish-blue. Another native Dicentra, dutchmen’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) is an all white variety with interesting pants-shaped flowers in early spring. It is smaller, only growing to 6 inches tall and prefers a moist, shady spot.

My mountain pinks (Phlox subulata) are another native perennial that looks especially spectacular this year. The carpet of pink flowers is so thick you can hardly see the green leaves. This plant likes well drained, sandy soil and full sun. It looks so pretty spreading through my rock garden. It’s been blooming for several weeks already and even after to flowers fade, the fine, narrow leaved foliage will continue to look great throughout the summer.

If you weren’t able to attend the Littoral Society’s Native Plant Workshop at Hammett’s Garden Center last weekend you really missed a great day. Beautiful weather, wonderful native plants, interesting info on how to go native and an enthusiastic group of people interested in environmentally friendly gardening. Who could ask for more! Helen Henderson, Policy Advocate for the Littoral Society explained, “Hammett’s Garden Center is our first retail nursery to commit to providing a specific area dedicated to native plants for our Bayscape for Barnegat Bay program. This is the American Littoral Society’s grass roots Shore Stewardship program that encourages residents of the Barnegat Bay watershed to adopt more bay-friendly landscaping and grounds maintenance practices including using low-maintenance native species instead of non-natives that require excessive water, fertilizer, and pesticides that ultimately run off the land into the bay. The program’s mantra is, Don’t landscape- Bayscape.” To learn more about the Bayscape for Barnegat Bay program, visit www.littoralsociety.org/bayscape_for_barnegat_ bay.aspx. Hammett’s will be stocking the native plants suggested in this blog with new shipments arriving each week.

Time to go outside and enjoy the show!

Bayscape Blog 4/27/11

What’s in a Name?

By Judy DeFiglio

When I am giving a talk on native plants or writing this blog I often get asked why I use the Latin name for plants. Am I being a plant “snob”? Am I being a “show off”? or, just trying to impress? The answer is none of the above. I include the Latin name of the plant so you get the right plant for your garden. Common names can be colorful, fun and interesting but they are just that, names given and used by locals for a plant growing in their area. This can cause a problem because often the same plant is called a different name in different parts of the country. For example, what is called beebalm in some areas, oswego tea in other places, and wild bergamot elsewhere, has the same Latin name, Monarda. All over the world, no matter where you go, the Latin name is the same for a specific plant. So if you want to be sure you get the plant you want, use the Latin name. It really isn’t as difficult as you may think. I bet you already know some. How about chrysanthemum, coreopsis, sedum or phlox?

Another question I often get asked is, “can I use a cultivar or do I have to get the species?” For this discussion a species is a plant growing naturally in the wild. Cultivar, the combination of the words cultivated variety, means a plant selected for its desirable characteristic, propagated and maintained by cultivation. This question is hotly debated among native plant enthusiasts. Some feel that if it isn’t a species growing in the immediate area it is not “native”. Others feel that if a cultivar is created from native plants it still deserves the name “native”. I recently attended the NJ Native Plant society conference and a debate was held on this very issue. Both sides presented strong arguments and valid points. The results: for now we agree to disagree. BUT both sides did agree that using cultivars from native plants was far superior for the environment then using non natives.

This is the point we are trying to make with our Bayscape for Barnegat Bay Shore Stewards Program. Using native plants is best but if they don’t work in your landscape using “improved” native cultivars is preferable to using non native or exotic plant material.

Remember Saturday April 30, at 10 a.m. there is a free workshop on becoming a Shore Steward and using native plants in your landscape.

Hammets Garden Center Rt. 9 Forked River, NJ

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.

Hope to meet you there.

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.

Bayscape Blog 4/8/11

Let the Show Begin- Spring Flowering Natives

By Judy DeFiglio

After such a very long winter, I am sure we are all ready for the beautiful blooms of spring. While I will admit the flowers of the cherry and pear trees are a pretty sight, a late spring frost or April heat wave, which are common in our area, can quickly end the show on these non natives. In addition, the Bradford pear, once a highly recommended spring bloomer, is now considered an invasive species in several states. Besides, it can get pretty boring when every house on the block has a weeping cherry drooping in the front yard. Why not add some springtime flowering native shrubs to your landscape and really wow your neighbors?

Native trees and shrubs have adapted to our climate, so they are happier and healthier then the exotics brought into our area. This means less pests and diseases for the plant and less work for you. Most native plants do not require fertilizer or any additional water, once established, so they are a much better choice for the environment. All this and gorgeous blooms too. Need more? Most of these plants have a fantastic berry display later in the year. Still more? How about great fall color? That’s three seasons of interest in your garden.

Try some of these native spring blooming trees and shrubs:

Amelanchier Canadensis commonly called Serviceberry is a small tree that has white flowers in April followed by edible red fruit that turns blue in late summer. Good red fall color.

Aronia arbutifolia, the red chokeberry is large multi-stemmed shrub, six to ten feet tall. It grows in full sun to light shade and has lots of tiny white flowers in spring. The very prolific red berry display that arrives in fall, lasts well into the winter. Leaves turn a bright orange-red in autumn.

Cercis Canadensis, our eastern redbud(pictured), is a small tree that has deep rosy pink flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge . They really stand out against the bark that is almost black. Interesting heart shaped leaves turn yellow in autumn. This one is my favorite.

Kalmia latifolia or mountain laurel is a broadleaf evergreen with pink or white flowers in late spring. This is a good choice to replace the overused, non-native, azaleas and rhododendrons. Though there are several native rhododendrons that I do recommend you include in your landscape.

Vaccinium corymbosum, highbush blueberry, is often overlooked as a landscape plant. But it has white to pink bell-shaped flowers in spring, shiny dark green leaves that turn deep red in autumn and, of course, delicious blue berries in summer. They look great in a mass planting and your kids will have a ball picking the berries.

Viburnum dentatum commonly called arrowood is large shrub, up to ten feet tall and wide. Clusters of white flowers in late spring are followed by bluish black fruit. It has shiny dark green leaves that turn red in fall.

Bayscape Blog 4/1/11

It’s Spring

By Judy DeFiglio

It is spring, no really it is! The weather may not feel like it but the calendar says garden time is here. I know that all of you have kept your New Year’s Garden Resolutions (see blog 12/29/10) and are ready to get your hands dirty. Just remember never work in the garden when the soil is wet. It will compact the soil and can spread fungus and disease, so let the sun shine for a few days before you dig. Don’t worry, all that snow we had this winter did not hurt our tough native plants, soon they will be up and blooming.

If you didn’t have an opportunity to divide your plants last fall you can do it now, except for the early spring bloomers. Dividing them now would not hurt the plant but it may disrupt the bloom cycle. A good rule for most plants is: if it blooms in spring, divide in fall and if it blooms in fall, divide in spring. Now is also a good time to plant any newly purchased trees, shrubs orperennials. This will allow them to develop a healthy root system before the heat and drought of summer. If you are planting seeds, check the package for specific instructions. Some hardy annuals enjoy the cool spring soil while others need warmer temperatures to germinate.

Barnegat Bay has been in the news all winter as environmentalists and government agencies have been working on a variety of measures designed to improve the health of the bay. Fertilizer regulation is a big part of this program since fertilizer runoff is a big part of the problem. Isn’t it great that we can all be part of the solution by using native plants in our garden. Natives don’t require fertilization. So not only are they beautiful and low maintenance, but they help save our wonderful natural resource, Barnegat Bay.

Keep reading this blog in the weeks to come for news about an exciting project starting soon at Jakes Branch County Park in Beachwood. Littoral Society will be joining with many other environmental groups to incorporate several native plant gardens along the trails throughout the park and to provide educational opportunities for residents to learn how to implement these gardens in their own landscape.

Bayscape Blog 1/24/11
Think Spring
By Judy DeFiglio

The snow just keeps on coming and cabin fever is really setting in. But each day is getting a little longer and soon it will be spring. Okay, I hear you, “NOT SOON ENOUGH”! A sure cure for the winter blues is to think spring. Now is the perfect time to pick up a book or magazine and check out the latest garden info or head to the web and read a good garden blog. Just looking at the gorgeous flowers will lift your spirits.

Native plant enthusiasts really enjoy the spring. Many of our natives will be putting on a great show while the rest of the plant world is just waking up.

Here are a few favorite native perennials to brighten your springtime garden:

Bleeding heart (dicentra)- Pretty pink and white heart shaped flowers. This plant likes a little shade and moisture. It grows 4 to 6 feet tall then disappears in the heat of summer.

Blue Star ( Amsonia tabernaemontana) One of the earliest plants to flower, this 2 ½ to 3 feet tall plant has light blue flowers for three to four weeks in early spring. They like full sun and their leaves turn a pretty yellow in autumn

Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis) 2 to 4 feet tall. These are unique shaped, two toned, red and yellow flowers with spurs. The leaves are rounded and the flower self sows but not invasively. It likes sun to part shade.

Several Phlox:

Moss pink (Phlox subulata) Only 3-6 inches tall this mat forming plant has masses of deep pink flowers in early spring. It takes full sun and likes our sandy soil. The occasional spring snows won’t bother it at all and your perennials will grow right up through this ground cover.

Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) This 1 to 1 ½ foot plant has lots of light blue, fragrant flowers throughout the spring and is perfect in a woodland setting.
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum) Another woodland plant that has beautiful arching stems with tiny drooping white flowers in spring.

Trees and Shrubs

Sweetspire (Itea virginica) This shrub is 4-6 feet tall with arching branches that have fragrant white drooping spires of flowers in spring. Though deciduous its stems are a coppery red color that add winter interest

Redbud (Cerciscanadensis) A small tree that has dark bark and gorgeous deep pink flowers. Leaves turn yellow in fall.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis) This small tree has white flowers in spring followed by reddish purple fruit and red fall color

You may not be able to see your garden right now under all this snow, but you just imagine how beautiful it will look in a few weeks when spring arrives and the show begins.