The Backyard

Why is it important to have native plants?

 

Native plants have evolved over the centuries to provide life sustaining food and shelter to our native insects, birds and animals. They are particularly important to sustain our pollinators—that is an animal or insect that moves pollen from one plant to another so that seeds can be produced. Read more details here: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/What_is_Pollination/  

 

​

What does “native” mean?

 

The following links are excellent resources for information about why native plants are important and the native plants in our region:   

https://www.audubon.org/native-plants    

https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/      

https://www.conncoll.edu/the-arboretum/visiting-the-arboretum/       

http://nenativeplants.uconn.edu/nativePlants.php

https://www.conncoll.edu/the-arboretum/plant-collections/the-native-plant-collection/

 

 

Do you recognize these native plants?

 

This site describes how to tell native plants from non-natives and provides examples of native plantshttps://www.accentnatural.com/alternatives-to-non-native-plants/.  

 

​

Why are some plants called invasive?

 

Invasive plants did not originate in the local environment and therefore may not have any regional pests (or other checks) that control their spread. For this reason, they can be cause environmental harm to a locality and its flora and fauna. You can read more about these issues, on these websites:

 

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/invasives/index.shtml   

https://cipwg.uconn.edu/wcontent/uploads/sites/244/2016/12/Invasives_guide_2016_web.pdf   

https://www.ctwoodlands.org/sites/default/files/Invasives%20Flashcards%20With%20Logo%20Printable.pdf

 

 

Can I have some non-native plants on my property? 

 

The short answer is:  Yes!  gardening experts suggest that the perfect mix would consist of plants that are 70% natives and 30% non-natives or exotics.  An important gardening axiom to remember is to be certain to consider the following when choosing native and non-native plants for your garden:  "Right Plant, Right Location."   The RBGC recommends that you consult your local reliable garden center for the right selection.