In the world of gardening, it's easy to make mistakes, especially when it comes to choosing the right plants. I've been there, pulling out invasive species like houttuynia cordata, or the chameleon plant, which I once thought was a great ground cover. But with the abundance of information available today, there's no excuse for not making informed choices.
The Invasive Offenders
Some plants are simply not meant for certain areas. They can smother native vegetation, provide little to no resources for insects and birds, and become a nuisance. Massachusetts, along with other New England states, has recognized this and banned the sale of several notorious offenders. Burning bush, Norway maple, sycamore maple, and tree of heaven are now prohibited, and the list keeps growing.
Low-growing plants like English ivy, creeping Jenny, and ajuga are also culprits, forming dense mats that choke out native woodland plants. Vinca vine is another invasive species to avoid.
Native Alternatives
But fear not, there are plenty of beautiful and beneficial alternatives. Golden ragwort, for instance, creates a lovely evergreen mat with vibrant yellow flowers, making it a great substitute for pachysandra, which is now discouraged.
I recently discovered a native pachysandra, which I've planted in my garden. It's more attractive and manageable, and it produces sweet white flowers in spring. Wild strawberry is another favorite of mine, providing small, tasty berries and eventually forming a dense mat to suppress weeds.
For those who appreciate ferns, they can create a lush green carpet, and some varieties remain green all year round. Christmas fern and evergreen wood fern may not look their best in late winter, but they provide excellent ground cover. Hay-scented fern is a vigorous grower, perfect for part-sun to shaded areas, but be cautious as it can spread.
Ornamental Grasses and Beyond
Miscanthus sinensis, or Chinese silver grass, is another plant that needs to be removed from gardens. Fortunately, there are many other ornamental grasses worth considering. Carex pensylvanica, for example, supports butterfly and moth species and makes an excellent lawn alternative for dry shade areas.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is one of the most widely planted native grasses in America. It's reliable, creates a beautiful vertical structure, and produces stunning seed heads in late summer or fall. It's adaptable to various soil types, making it a versatile choice.
Pollinator-Friendly Choices
Butterfly bush (buddleja) may be a popular choice, but it's an ecological threat in many states. While it provides food for pollinators, the nutrients are inferior to those found in native plants like buttonbush, summersweet, milkweed, and Joe-Pye weed. These native alternatives offer a more sustainable and beneficial option for our ecosystem.
The Power of Information
In today's world, we have access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. A simple search can reveal whether a plant is invasive, aggressive, or likely to take over. This knowledge can save us time, effort, and potentially benefit the environment.
May is the perfect month to embrace gardening, and with the right information, we can make informed choices that contribute to a healthier and more beautiful garden ecosystem. So, let's get planting, but let's do it wisely!
