Choosing Native Plants for the Garden

Is something wild missing from your garden? I have pursued wildness in my landscape for twenty years. More precisely, I pursue wild type genetics. Wild type genetics is the variation that wild populations produce for success. These are our best strength for ecologically productive landscapes. I strive to increase the number of wild type species on my property. I am rewarded when I combine these populations with good design. Good design may be by chance, but more often it is deliberate. What are your design challenges for this season? Which natives would elevate your efforts beyond restoration? Can we create nativescapes that inspire more natives in design?

This year I have decided to seek natives for ground cover and natives with tones of pinks. My landscape includes invasive species so I need plants with sharp elbows that can hold their ground. I was recently astonished by a photo of a yellow stone home fronted by blue flowering perennials. I consider flowering color among the last variables in design. My favorite color, pink, will be my indulgence this season. First choice is prairie smoke (Geum triflorum), a native from the Finger Lakes region of New York. In that region, prairie smoke associates with stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida), birdfoot violet (Viola pedata), prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), and downy phlox (Phlox pilosa).  These associated plants are native to our region. Prairie smoke's low stature holds the outer edge of the sunny border.  The pink nodding flowers warm my house exteriors while dramatic pink seed heads finish the season. Where can I find a source for prairie smoke? Let's query the University of Minnesota online plant finder. It returns several nurseries offering G. triflorum. Plus, if I am interested in particular ecotypes, it lists their state of origin. Ecotypes are ideally suited for their local habitat.

Sometimes a native ecotype has a characteristic that better realizes a design feature. Shrub masses are one of the best strategies for covering ground with less maintenance. However, most of our native shrubs are larger than our scaled designs require. When you need a lower shrub, look for native clones with a smaller stature. Clones have specific characteristics that are propagated by cuttings. Ground Hog™ aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) tolerates the pressure of invasives. This clone exhibits the traditional three-season display of flower, fruit, and fall foliage, but remains small. I can use full-sized wild type native shrubs away from high traffic areas.

Ground Hog™ aronia is on my January wish list for my local garden center. Yes, share your list in January! Wholesale nurseries have their availability and pricing ready by then. Retailers finalize their spring orders in February. By giving your wish list to your retailer in early January you accomplish many things. You will support a local business and save on freight by combining with their order. Usually, the early product is the best quality as it is the first out the door.

Once you identify your design goals for the new season, try these resources to locate plants.  Ask your local gardening supplier if they can source your material.

• The Penn State Flower Trials at Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SEAREC) Trial Results. I will look into the Woodlander pink phlox (Phlox paniculata Woodlander 'Pink'). This is an evergreen phlox with an extended flowering period, larger blooms, durable foliage, pink color and groundcover habit!
• Mt. Cuba Trial Gardens
• For those in the cooler climes of Pennsylvania, check out Richard Hawkes' trial garden results from Chicago Botanical Garden.
• Are trees in your design plans? Michael A. Dirr and Keith S. Warren's The Tree Book lists notable selections of woody plants cultivated for the nursery trade.
• Two wholesale nurseries cultivating native shrubs are Bailey Nursery in Minnesota and Spring Meadow Nursery in Michigan. Check  Baily Nursery Find a Retailer if your supplier does not carry their offerings. To source Spring Meadow's New Vision for Native Shrubs, use Proven Winners' Find a Retailer.

Happy new gardening year everyone; go wild!