Intro to Native Gardening
Articles written by our friend Jimmy Rogers
You are interested in native gardening but not sure how to get started?
Well, fortunately, my good friend Jimmy has written several articles in a local newspaper breaking it down into easy to understand parts. These articles highlight Maryland native plants but the thought process and steps can apply to almost anywhere. It is just important to research the plants that are native to your area.
Step 1: Time to plant native plants
The last few years have seen a boom in residential native gardening. It’s an exciting hobby that is also a lifeline for our neighborhood birds, bees and butterflies. After reading through lists of plants and planning their new garden beds, though, many people ask, “Where do I even get these plants?”…
Step 2: Navigating native plant species
Many first-time native gardeners start their journey at a local hardware store or garden center. In July, one might find a display of purple coneflower and Mercury Rising coreopsis, both labeled as native and promising visitation by bees and butterflies. The purple coneflower has broad leaves beneath wide, purple flowers and the coreopsis has a cloud of thin leaves topped with blood-red flowers. It seems like a cartload of these plants is a ready-made native garden, complete with varying texture and flower color…
Step 3: Planning your native garden
Do you look at your garden and wish it had more verdant energy? For generations, American gardens have placed a high value on order, consistency and predictability. This brings to mind dense mulch, clean rows of hedges and wildlife only present in designated areas. Now, a new generation of gardeners is exploring a more nature-inspired approach with native gardening...
Before and After native garden transformation
About a year ago, I had a strange, early-morning visitor. I heard a midsized dump truck idling in front of my house and ran out in my bathrobe. I waved and pointed right to the middle of my pristine grass lawn and the driver gave me a nod. Shortly thereafter, I was the proud owner of 20 cubic yards of arborist wood chips and on my way to a new native garden…
Additional articles about native gardening by Jimmy
Welcoming wild bees into your garden
Enough to keep a bird alive
Winter leaves grow summer wings
If you are already a native plant gardener or interested in joining the movement…
An amazing way to spread the word of the benefits of native plants is by sharing your extra plants with your community. Starting a Free Little Plant Stand would give you the opportunity to spread/receive these essential native plants to your area for free.
