We’ve talked background. We’ve talked plant selection. We’ve talked planting and establishment. Now, let’s discuss maintenance.
Native plants have been aboard the Plant Bus and available for purchase for three whole weeks now, and I have already clashed with a few traditionalist gardeners regarding whether or not native plants have a place in the cultivated garden. If you’ve read my past installments of this article series, then you know how I feel about this topic.
Yes, natives tend to be wild and unkempt.
Yes, natives tend to spread aggressively when established.
Yes, natives can get one in trouble with their HOA.
Yes, if left to their wiles, natives can take over your entire yard!
Yet, I maintain that the benefits of native gardening far outweigh the drawbacks. Native plants are effective assets to our ecosystem, and they ground us in our natural world. Not to mention, cultivated perennials also have their drawbacks. When maintained properly, native plants, just like cultivated hybrids, can add to the beauty of our yards and our lives. That is why this part of my article series—the final part—is the most important.
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