The Poinsettia remains a favorite plant for the holidays. Plants, like people, sometimes make a…
Resource for Native Plants
Everybody talks about the need to grow native plants in the garden.
Even seed company owner James Vick (1818-1882) in the nineteenth century encouraged his customers, spread across the country, to grow native plants.
He loved and encouraged gardeners to plant Eschscholzia californica or California poppy and Aquilegia or Columbine.
But where do you find them?
One answer is the National Wildlife Federation.
Why Native Plants
Small gardens are as important as big gardens for conserving pollinators, a UK study has found.
Worldwide, bee populations are declining. Habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change have led to the decline of pollinators. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, found that small gardens are some of the most pollinator-friendly places.
Which is why the new native plant collections from National Wildlife Federation make it easy, and vital, for anyone to start a new pollinator garden and make a difference in your own yard. May is Garden for Wildlife month, and planting natives is one great way to celebrate.
By adding native plants, research shows you can double your impact on wildlife in just one season.
New Collections
The new collections are customized for your region, support pollinators over three seasons, and delivered to your door. The collections are easy and fun to plant for all ages!
They are divided according to the zone in which you garden.
NWF currently offers native plant collections for thirty-six states in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest. The goal is to expand nationwide.
Here is a sample of three native plants for a part shade spot in the garden:
This limited-edition collection includes six native perennial plants that are especially beneficial to hummingbirds:
- Cardinal Flower (2) [top left]
- Eastern Columbine (2) [bottom]
- Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm (2) [top right]
Grown sustainably just for your area, these part-shade plants:
- Offer brightly colored tubular flowers that attract and provide nectar for hummingbirds
- Support other key wildlife species, including butterflies, moths, and bees
- Bloom across three seasons and return each year
- Never need chemicals and require less water once established
The National Wildlife Federation offers one way to start planting native plants.
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I have been working towards making my entire yard a natural plant oasis. I enjoy the perfectness of a “planned” English garden but there is something about the seemingly untamed nature of natural. My main goal in creating this oasis for native plants is because I don’t want to mow. I want wild but manageable wild that takes minimal care and gives maximum rewards. Someone is coming in the next few weeks to till my entire backyard so that I can have a blank canvas to start with. Ultimately I want to attract bees, birds, and all kinds of wildlife. They and the native plant species are much more rewarding to look at than a well manicured lawn.