- One picture showed a residential landscape, all with natives, that was as beautiful and striking as any I've ever seen.
- Wildflower seed mix - NO! Many of these seed mixes include, exotic, invasive species. a University of Wisconsin study of 19 "wildflower" packets showed 8 contained 3 to 13 invasive species, 8 had seeds considered noxious weeds, 1/3 had no contents listed, more than 1/3 had incorrect species listed. And be suspicious of any plant labeled "Wildflower".
- We import approximately 800 million plants into the US every year. It is projected that the US horticultural industry will grow to around $30 billion by 2013. (yes, billion with a 'b'). BUT, we spend more than $137 BILLION on exotic plant and animal management every year in the US. "That's 375 MILLION DOLLARS PER DAY."
- There are about 4,000 species of native bees in the US. Only a few sting. Most of them nest in the ground, or twigs. They are much more effective at pollination than the non-native European honeybee. Ninety percent of flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables, are pollinated by insects. One third of human food crops are insect-pollinated. Many of the chemicals and other pest controls used on grains, migrate by wind to flowering plants where they kill insects.
- Native Plants add color, structure, and texture to the landscape, while providing valuable benefits to both wildlife and people.
- Native Plants can provide Wildlife Habitat, Color, Erosion Control, less lawn maintenance, water management in Rain Gardens, and attractive landscaping in problem areas.
A small section of NNN display garden |
Regretting my absence of pictures, I drove back to the nursery in the early evening to get some shots of the display gardens.
Raised beds ready for more soil |
Paul told me he's gotten his native plants from both Lucas and Wood county sources. He pointed out to me some dramatic differences in some Cardinal Flower. Two from Lucas County, and the other two from Wood County. Based on this distinction, he's decided to concentrate on genotypes native to Wood County because that is where he lives.
In addition to getting plants, Paul also starts native plants from seed using his own soil mix of 1/3 sand, 1/3 commercial potting mix, and 1/3 compost. Some of the seed comes from his own plants.
One of his raised beds is all sand, simulating an environment only found in a few areas of Wood County. Here in this special bed, he's been able to raise Wild Lupine.
Wild Bergamot |
Inspirational Paul. Thanks for sharing.
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