By Christin Ritz for the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee
Spring officially began back in March, but these past few weeks it finally feels like it! The birds are nesting, the bunnies are out in full force, and the grass is back to its needy self — requiring a mow on the regular. The weather hovers around that perfect temperature to get out in the yard — not too cold and not too hot. Doesn’t it inspire you to dig into the earth and start planting?
Well before you do, consider going native! By choosing plants native to Massachusetts, not only will the local birds and bugs thank you, but you’ll save yourself a lot of work and resources.
Native plants developed in this region, so they thrive in our climate, weather, and soil conditions. They stand up to all four New England seasons, as well as to the pests that thrive here too. Once established, they require much less watering and tending than species from other parts of the globe. They don’t require the pesticides, fertilizers, or soil amendments that non-local species do.
Since they are a natural part of our ecosystem, they also provide the needs of our native pollinators, bees and birds.
For instance, did you know the Monarch Butterfly caterpillar only eats one plant in the world?!? It’s Milkweed, and it’s native to our region! Planting some in your yard can make a big difference for the Monarch population. Here are a few more ideas to get you started:
For flowers that will come back year after year, try Yarrow, Yellow Hyssop, Black Cohosh, Pearly Everlasting, or Anemone.
Yarrow and Pearly Everlasting both have tiny flowers that are very attractive to ladybugs and other beneficial insects. Bringing these bugs into your garden is like having a team of security guards keeping out the “bad guys” of the bug world. Both require little water and enjoy sunny, dry conditions, so these choices have big rewards for very little work.
Hyssop is another magnet for beneficial insects and is usually covered in bees as soon as it blooms.
Black Cohosh, which is widely known as a medicinal herb, has striking spiked flowers that won’t bloom until late summer, so it is a great addition to keep the floral display going all season long.
Anemone’s papery petals and cheerful appearance always bring a smile to my face. Both the Meadow Anemone and the Virginia Anemone (Thimbleweed) are natives. They are resistant to pests and are the low maintenance stars of the garden.
Want to attract backyard birds? Providing food will do the trick! Berry-producing shrubs like Winterberry, Holly, Beach Plum, Elderberry, Serviceberry, Sassafras, Wintergreen and Bayberry will turn your back yard into a bird snack bar!
Winterberry is a variety of holly that brightens the winter landscape with its stunning red fruit — but not for long! Enjoy the color while it lasts, because no doubt Catbirds will swoop in and gobble them up.
Beach Plum is known for growing in the dunes, but in the sandy soil of our coastal town you can have one in your own back yard. If you nab some plums before the birds get to them, try making Beach Plum Jam!
Native to New England wetlands, Elderberry produces the fruit beloved by birds and treasured by humans for its immune-boosting qualities. Did you know that its stems are critical habitat for the Iridescent Elderberry Borer Beetle, a native but rare insect?
If you want something a bit larger, Serviceberry and Sassafras cros sover from large shrubs to small trees. Their berries will attract migrating birds as they pass through town and provide them a habitat as well. For something smaller, try Wintergreen. It is more like a groundcover and also can work as a potted plant.
Birders, if you’ve been longing to finally spot a Yellow-rumped Warbler, plant a Northern Bayberry, whose berries are irresistible to the little guys.
Interested in shade, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, and have plenty of space? Plant a native tree! A few examples are Hickory, White Oak, Pitch Pine, Black Tupelo, Gray Birch, Atlantic White Cedar and Red Cedar.
Digging into the world of native plants is a fun and rewarding experience! There are many online sites to learn more about them, including www.mass.gov which has many downloadable resources.
Happy Spring, and as the old adage says, “Bloom where you are planted!”
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