Gardens as Invitations
Happy New Year 2024.
Hello plant lovers!
As we dream into the new year, and tuck our gardens in for a winter's rest, it's a magical time for us plant enthusiasts. This period of rest for our green friends is a golden opportunity for us to drift into daydreams about the gardens we'll cultivate in the upcoming year.
This is a season of reflection, a time to ponder and plan. We can consider the new additions we're eager to introduce into our gardens, the changes we're contemplating to change things up, and the cherished elements we desire to keep just as they are. Our gardens, after all, are incredibly personal spaces. They're like living tapestries woven from our individual tastes, experiences, aspirations, and dreams.
Every plant we invite into our gardens plays a significant role, it can offer food, medicine, aesthetic appeal creating the garden's function overall ecology. These decisions shape the personality of our gardens, influencing everything from which birds and insects visit to how the garden changes with the seasons. It's a delightful and thoughtful process, blending our creativity with the natural world, creating a space that is a unique liminal interface between us and the beings of nature. Our gardens are invitations.
Above is a Ruby Throated Hummingbird feasting on scarlet colored blooms of Monarda didyma.
Plants Communicate
Every single plant we encounter has its own special way of engaging with the world around it. They have a unique language, a way of 'talking' to the mycelium and myriad microbes in the soil—a conversation that's critical to their survival and growth. Above the ground, they communicate through the release of scents and the dispersal of seeds; each species uses these methods in its own distinct way. And let's not forget their role as generous hosts, offering nourishing food to a diverse range of creatures through their foliage and flowers and seeds and roots.
Speaking of the flowers, they are communication powerhouses. Getting aqauinted with the native species of the wild flowers of your area is a powerful way of sending messages out into an ecosystem that vitally depends on them. I'm particularly talking about the pollinators—bees, butterflies, and other insects—whose very existence is intertwined with the native flowers we choose.
The plants in our gardens, lawns, and landscapes are engaging in a constant dialogue with their surroundings, both in ways that are visible to us and in ways that are beyond our immediate perception. We see their colors and delight in their fragrances, but there's so much more happening that escapes our notice. It's only when we pause, become still, and truly immerse ourselves in our green spaces that we begin to understand the more subtle—and sometimes quite profound—forms of communication taking place in the plant world.
By developing this deeper connection and understanding, we open ourselves up to a whole new level of interaction with our gardens. It's not just about planting and pruning; it's about participating in a living, breathing, and communicating ecosystem. The more we attune ourselves to these natural conversations, the more we can appreciate the intricate and fascinating world of plants and their unseen yet vital communications.
Above the video showcases the beauteous blooms of the beloved Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca graced by the European honeybee.
Pollinator Delights
When we thoughtfully select certain plants for our gardens, we're not just beautifying our spaces; we're extending an open invitation to the native bees, butterflies, migratory birds, and various other creatures, offering them a sanctuary right in our yards and gardens. By incorporating native plants, we're essentially crafting a much-needed habitat. These plants provide the perfect setting for pollinators to lay their eggs, find a moment of rest, rejuvenate, and indulge in a feast. Our intention is to create a welcoming environment that encourages these vital creatures to return season after season.
In recent times, we've witnessed a worrying decline in native habitats, largely due to urban development and agricultural expansion and practices. This loss of natural spaces has had a profound impact on our native pollinator species, contributing to their alarming decline. However, by turning our yards and gardens into regenerative havens filled with native flora, we can play a crucial role in supporting these essential pollinators.
Consistency in adding and nurturing native plants is key. The more we diversify the species of native plants in our gardens, the richer the habitat we create for these creatures. Every new plant species we introduce adds another layer of support, offering a wider range of diversity and food sources, nesting or resting spots. This diversity not only benefits the pollinators but also enhances the ecological balance and beauty of our garden ecosystem.
By doing this, we're not just gardening; we're actively participating in supporting wildlife right from our own homes. We're contributing to a movement that supports the resurgence and thriving of our native pollinator species, which are indispensable for the health of our ecosystems. So, with each plant we place in the soil, let's remember that we're making a small yet significant difference in the grand tapestry of nature.
Above the video shows the Black Swallowtail on another native Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa.
Planting Native
Embracing native plants in your garden doesn't mean you have to part with your cherished "classics"—those beloved plants that have been with you through many gardening seasons, forming the backbone of your medicinal garden and reliable allies in your green space. It's all about finding a balance. The current trend, as highlighted by experts like Dr. Doug Tallamy of the University of Delaware, suggests aiming for about 70% native plants in our gardens and landscapes. This might sound like a significant change, but it's a worthwhile effort.
Did you know that native pollinators are responsible for a staggering 85-90% of the pollination of other native plants, including those vital to agriculture? Often, we think of the European honey bee as the primary pollinator, but in reality, they contribute to just 10-15% of the pollination foun. It's our native pollinator species that have evolved alongside native plants over thousands of years, playing a crucial role in the pollination of local plants and contributing to the health of our ecosystems. To support these invaluable pollinator corridors, we need to provide them with ample habitat to feed and reproduce.
Your garden is more than just a plot of land; it's a living canvas where you can forge a deep connection with the natural world. It's a space for personal expression and learning, a place where your creativity can blossom alongside your plants. There should always be room in your garden for plants that hold special meaning to you, whether for their beauty, their memories, or their utility. So, while incorporating native plants is important for ecological balance, never forget that your garden should also be a reflection of what you love and connect with.
Shown above is the stunning “Bluestar” Amsonia tabernaemontana.
Inclusive & Sustainable Gardening
Working towards a more inclusive and sustainable gardening practice takes time, consideration, observation, and devotion.
As you dream into your upcoming 2024 garden,, what native plants are reaching out to become part of the matrix of your green creation?
Woodswise carries a large selection of native plants that can diversify the tapestry of your wildscaping. Here is a list of suggestions that may speak to you. Each has certain native pollinators and birds that are aligned with them, as well as being important host plants for the next generation.
Aster, Aromatic (Aster oblongifolius): This fragrant aster attracts butterflies and bees with its abundant fall blooms. It's a crucial late-season food source for pollinators preparing for winter.
Aster, Blue Wood (Symphyotrichum cordifolium): Blue Wood Aster is a favorite of native bees and butterflies, offering vital nectar in the fall. Its dense foliage also provides shelter for various small wildlife.
Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa): This plant is a magnet for hummingbirds and bees, especially bumblebees. The bright flowers also attract butterflies, adding vibrancy to any garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Known for its bright red flowers, this Bee Balm variety is particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, providing ample nectar in the summer months.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A favorite of native bees and butterflies, this plant also provides seeds that birds like finches love, making it a garden must-have for wildlife enthusiasts.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum): Attracting a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and moths, Boneset is also a host plant for certain caterpillar species, playing a key role in their life cycle.
Coreopsis, Lance Leaf (Coreopsis lanceolata): This bright and cheerful flower is a hit with bees and butterflies. Its long blooming season ensures a consistent food source for pollinators.
Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum): Tall and stately, it draws in bees and butterflies with its white spiky flowers. It's particularly favored by native bee species.
Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum): Known for its large, cup-like leaves that hold water, it attracts birds and insects. Butterflies and bees frequent its sunny flowers.
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata): A towering presence, it's popular with bees and butterflies. Its seeds in the fall attract various bird species.
Elderberry, American (Sambucus canadensis): This shrub is vital for wildlife, offering flowers for pollinators and berries for birds. It's also a host plant for several moth species.
Goldenrod, Showy (Solidago speciosa): Contrary to belief, it's not allergenic and is a boon for bees and butterflies in late summer and fall.
Goldenrod, Early (Solidago juncea): This early bloomer supports pollinators when other food sources are scarce, making it a crucial part of the ecosystem.
Goldenrod, Wrinkled (Solidago rugosa): Its dense flowers are a haven for pollinators, and the plant supports various caterpillar species.
Hyssop, Anise (Agastache foeniculum): This licorice-scented plant is a favorite of bees and butterflies, and its seeds in winter attract birds.
Hyssop, Giant Purple (Agastache scrophulariifolia): With tall purple spikes, it's a visual and nectar treat for bees and butterflies.
False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa): Its striking blue flowers are not only beautiful but also attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica): Its deep blue flowers are a magnet for bees and hummingbirds, offering rich nectar.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): A hummingbird favorite, its brilliant red flowers stand out in any garden and are an important nectar source.
Milkweed, Common (Asclepias syriaca): Essential for monarch butterflies as a host plant, it also attracts a wide range of pollinators with its fragrant blooms.
Milkweed, Rose (Asclepias incarnata): Attractive to monarchs for egg-laying, its pink blooms also draw bees and butterflies.
Milkweed, Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): A monarch caterpillar food source, its vibrant orange flowers are popular with a variety of pollinators.
Mist Flower (Conoclinium coelestinum): This fluffy blue flower is a butterfly paradise, attracting them in droves for its nectar.
Mountain Mint, Short Toothed (Pycnanthemum muticum): A powerhouse for attracting pollinators, its minty scent and abundant flowers are irresistible to bees and butterflies.
Sochan (Rudbeckia laciniata): Similar to Cutleaf Coneflower, it's a vital source of nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): This exotic-looking plant is not only a host for Gulf Fritillary butterflies but also attracts bees and hummingbirds.
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium): With its unique appearance, it draws in a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A classic garden staple, it's beloved by bees and butterflies, and its seeds in winter are a treat for birds.
Vervain, Blue (Verbena hastata): This tall, slender plant is a haven for bees and butterflies, offering abundant nectar.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus): Its fragrant blooms are a hit with bees and butterflies, while birds enjoy its fruits.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Early spring flowers provide essential nectar for emerging bees and butterflies.
Spice Bush (Lindera benzoin): A host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies, its flowers also attract various pollinators.
Share With Me!
Do you have favorite plants that speak to you?
What are your favorite pollinator plants?
Are you winter dreaming of your 2024 garden?