Photography provided by Dr. Kent Kainulainen
Exostema caribbeaum RUBIACEAE Prince wood

Let's talk Native Plants

A Native Plants is; A plant species that occurs  naturally in a habitat / ecosystem, without direct or indirect human interactions.

It is a matter of "CONTEXT"; when a plant is found in a local woodland / bush, it is called a “Native plant” but when they are used within landscaping, they are called “Plant material” although they are all the same.

These plants are chosen from the wild for their inherent qualities to add interest to a landscape such as with showy blooms, new leaf color / variegation, brightly colored fruits or elegant / interesting growth and branching habits.

You have heard this before; using Native Plants as landscape material within your garden is a sustainable solution to conservation. They will need little care after initial planting since they are already adapted to their environment.

Where do you start? With all of this said, you want to be responsible; lower your carbon footprint and respect nature as best as you can. You might say that it is a daunting task;

• I don’t know native plants well enough
• I don’t know how to use these native plants
• I don’t know where to plant them
• I don’t know their needs
• I don’t want to make a mistake
• I don’t have time to observe them
• I don’t know how to propagate them from cuttings or seeds,  where can I buy them?
• How do I mix them with what I already have in my garden or my favorite exotic plants?
• I don't want to rip out my existing garden and start over.

Here are a few Q & A that you should ask yourself before you begin with your landscape design.  The "Plant selection" page will give you a brief describe on their height, sun exposure, salt / wind tolerance and their landscape potential.
You are now ready to Purchase your plant material.