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We’re sometimes asked to design a landscape with only native plants...But “native” is a tricky word.
While visiting the Southwest, I asked a local gentleman, who looked to be Native American, how he wished to be addressed so I wouldn’t offend him. He smiled, and explained to me that sometimes a politician would visit and give a speech referring to his people as Native Americans. But when the politicians left, everyone called each other Indians, and no one would take offence if I did the same.
When deciding what plants are native, do we mean native to North America? Native to New York? Native to where? Where should we draw the line? While it’s true that plants which have historically grown locally are sometimes better adapted to our climate, other plants which have been brought here from similar climates around the world can do just as well.
Even plants native to our area can struggle to adapt to the extremes we’re facing. And if we stick with only “natives” it’s a pretty limited list. Plant breeders and hybridizers have developed many wonderful specimens that combine the heartiness of “natives” with the aesthetics that homeowners demand.
Think about apple trees and honeybees. Our area is known for orchards, which are an important crop. The southern shore of Lake Ontario is an excellent location for growing fruit trees. But did you know that apple trees were brought to America by European settlers? Not native! And they also imported honeybees to pollinate those trees. Also not native!
Native or not, we’ll help you choose the right plant for your unique conditions. Contact us today!
