NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE SHADE GARDEN

Why Plant Native?

It’s a great question. What benefits do native plants offer that exotics do not? First let’s define what we mean by “native”. Native plants are those that are perfectly hardy in the Horticultural Zone you are in. Here on Long Island, that’s Zone 7 and specifically 7a and 7b. Here’s a map to help give you a bit of perspective (click for full size):

These maps are generated every year and described the average temperatures (highs and lows) by zone and correlate that data against what types of plants grow well in those zones. The result is that you can confidently plan your landscape according to the types of plants that do well in your area. Native plants require less maintenance and less care than exotics, need to be watered less and often do not require fertilizers or soil maintenance either. In fact, if you get Zone-Native plants that are also local, your landscape will be specifically adapted to local soil-, air-, moisture-, & nutrient- conditions in your area which further reduces your need for maintenance & care and the result is still a beautiful, thriving living landscape!!