7
White Cardinal Flower
White Trillium
trees, shrubs, native grasses), a
range of blooming and fruiting
times, and an assortment of plant
heights.
With the exception of large
specimen trees, colonies of plants
are more desirable than single
specimens when you are trying to
benefit wildlife.
As with any plants, be cautious of
those which spread via underground
runners. Bee Balm (Monarda
didyma) is lovely and very popular
with bees and hummingbirds, but it
can take over an entire garden, so
be sure that it, and similar species,
are planted where they have room
to roam.
Those species which spread by
seed may also become a bit too
prolific, but they are relatively easy
to control and will provide seedlings
to share with other gardeners.
Despite their hardiness, it is still
important to consider the basic
requirements of native plants
before adding them to your
landscape. These would include the
amount of light, soil conditions,
temperature range, and amount of
moisture.
While the species may be native
to your geographic region, your
own yard will have its own specific
microclimate which needs to be
taken into consideration.
Even if it’s native, a shrub which
naturally grows along the forest
edge, where it has the benefits of
adequate sun and rich forest soil,
is less likely to thrive if you plant it
under shade trees or in rocky soil.
When you are starting out, it’s a
good idea to take the time to look
at natural areas around your
home or neighborhood and see
what kinds of plants are already
growing there, do some research
to find out what growing
conditions those plants prefer,
and then choose for yourself some
native plants which have similar
requirements.
Think about your own interests
when choosing plants for your
yard. Do you want to attract
wildlife, have a wealth of flowers for
cutting, create a colorful autumn
display.
Once you have a goal, then you
can seek out plants which have the
characteristics that you want.
“When we walk through our late summer forests and
see the profuse blooms of the white wood aster (A.
divaricatus), we look at a mangy weed. Gertrude Jekyll
saw it as a perfect late season plant and routinely
incorporated it into her borders. Similarly, may apple
(Podophyllunm pelatatum) is only a common woodland
wildflower here but is a carefully chosen spring
groundcover situated under rhododendrons on the
grounds of Windsor Castle."
– Easy Care Native Plants
Patricia Taylor
