At the Congregational Church’s Climate Café on Sunday, March 30th, Master Gardener Betty Sanders presented a great program, ‘Going Native: Low-Growing Trees and Shrubs,” to 27 attendees. Betty explained how many non-native trees and shrubs require extra maintenance and water because they are often not well-adapted to our New England climate. Also, they are not supportive of our native birds, butterflies, moths & insects, which we need for a healthy ecosystem. Native species, on the other hand, support many birds, butterflies, moths and insects, are usually drought-resistant, and are not preferred by deer. For example, our Native oak tree supports 517 moths & butterflies, while the Bradford Pear tree, an Asian import, is poisonous to birds, and supports zero insects.
You can find native species at local nurseries, but make sure you ask questions and/or do your research. Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton and The New England Wildflower Society in Framingham are great sources of information on native trees and shrubs.
So, “go native” and don’t look back – you’ll be helping both your backyard and the environment! Remove an invasive shrub/tree and plant a native variety in its place this Spring! Not sure whether it is an invasive? Find out by checking the list of plants prohibited in Massachusetts: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/ma.shtml#thr
And check out Betty’s website for other gardening tips/information: http://www.bettyongardening.com/
