by Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Ah, spring – and not a moment too soon. Gardeners major and minor are collectively dusting off their gardening gloves, pulling out rakes and clippers, and starting to dig! From potted plants on balconies to community gardens and backyard spaces, many of us love to get our hands dirty this time of year.
But have you ever stopped to wonder if you’re planting more than a pretty face? As it turns out, much of what we add to our outdoor spaces isn’t meant to be here and causes more harm than good.
Plants that are introduced to a region are considered non-native, alien, or exotic species. Though they may be attractive, non-native plants take up space and resources in the landscape that otherwise could be used by native plants. Particularly worrisome are the “invasive species,” which compete aggressively with natives, causing severe damage to natural ecosystems well beyond our yards and walkways.
In truth, our forests, coastlines, and parks are at serious risk from these human-introduced invasives, which directly contribute to the decline of many native plants and animals. So while it might be tempting to plant any budding beauties that catch your eye, why not sow some seeds of change this year and focus on planting native trees, shrubs, and other plants?
Adding native plants to your garden helps native animals – since they evolved alongside one another in a mutually beneficial way – offering essential food, shelter, and nesting sites. In addition to being environmentally-friendly, native plant gardens are relatively low maintenance. When you plant something in an appropriate place, it will flourish with minimal care. Native plants are well-adapted to New Jersey’s climate and soil and have natural defenses to plant diseases, harmful insects, and other pests. Once established, they can survive with normal rainfall and need little, if any, additional watering.
There are options to fill every niche – including foundation beds, shrub borders, specimen trees, ground covers, water gardens, woodland edges, and more. Beautiful varieties can grow in any style of garden. Even small container gardens can act as magnets to birds, butterflies, and other critters searching urban landscapes for food and shelter.
What’s more, you can help the Earth and your bank account by saving money on fertilizers and pesticides! Native plants grow well with minimal assistance and are less likely to develop pest problems requiring treatment.
Unfortunately, despite how little they offer wildlife and the havoc they wreak on the landscape, many species of invasive plants are still available for purchase in the Garden State. Though we often lead the nation in environmental protections, we have no bragging rights when it comes to native plant policies. In fact, New Jersey is one of only two states in the country that does not have statewide bans on the sale of some of the worst invasive plants such as Japanese barberry, Norway maple, callery pear, English Ivy, butterfly bush, and Chinese silvergrass.
Hopefully, help is on the way in the form of a bill prohibiting the sale, distribution, import, export, or propagation of certain invasive species. The measure is making its way through the New Jersey Legislature. It passed unanimously in the full New Jersey Senate in March and now awaits a hearing in the Assembly. In addition to providing a comprehensive approach to invasive species management, the bill establishes a robust regulatory framework to address ecological challenges. We need to get this bill over the finish line!
But you don’t need to wait for a change in the law to turn over a new leaf.
And you don’t need to look far to find help in your new quest. The Native Plant Society of New Jersey provides multiple lists of native plant options, divided by region, as well as a list of nurseries that provide native plants. “Examine the conditions before you choose what to plant,” says Kazys Varnelis, president of the Society. “Is it shady? Sunny? What is the soil like? Does it hold water when it gets wet or does it drain quickly?”
In addition, the Native Plant Society of New Jersey offers incredible resources for gardening, including over 60 videos of tips, ideas, and more! You can participate in events like webinars and workshops, share photos and ideas, and learn more about the beauty and importance of native plant species in this state we’re in by visiting https://npsnj.org/. For a list of places to purchase native plants, visit https://npsnj.org/native-plants/where-to-buy-natives/.
Jersey-Friendly Yards offers a comprehensive database of New Jersey native plants with loads of helpful information. You can find it at https://www.jerseyyards.org/plant/.
To learn more about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at njconservation.org or contact us at info@njconservation.org.
