Native NJ Gardens 101
It’s finally Spring! After a long and unpredictable winter it’s time to clean up and clear out everything and that includes our green spaces. We have been interested in learning more about “clean” planting – whether that is the exact term, we mean plants that contribute to eco-diversity and reducing pollution. That led us to a delightful and super informative chat with Kim Correro, a co-head of the newly formed Hudson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of NJ. We learned a lot and are inspired to check out native plants after learning of the many benefits for both the environment and the gardener.
Can you please tell us more about the Native Plant Society?
Sure. The Native Plant Society of NJ is a statewide, 501c3 dedicated to the appreciation, protection, and study of the native flora of New Jersey. We started the Hudson Chapter last summer and in addition to Jersey City, we are working to expand our outreach to all of the surrounding towns within Hudson County. Our hope is to share our resources and provide education on the benefits of at least 70% of your garden being native.
Why is having native plants and a native garden so important?
Native plants, trees and shrubs are adapted to our soil and weather conditions and are lower maintenance. They are native to our area and critical to sustaining biodiversity and improving the environment. They have deep root systems and increase the soil’s capacity to store water helping to reduce water runoff, flooding and erosion.
How does your garden change when you transition to mostly or all native plants?
Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. I began transitioning my garden over to native species in 2020 during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. For years I put my hummingbird feeder up and was frustrated to never see a hummingbird. Last year, I planted some Great blue lobelia in a planter and was thrilled to watch the Ruby-throated hummingbird visit my deck in the mornings and enjoy the nectar while I sipped my coffee.
Fun! When should we get going?
This is definitely the time of year when we are all itching to get outside and start to cut back our plants and tidy things up in the yard. Many species of butterflies, moths, and bees pupate and overwinter in leaves before emerging as adults in the spring. Raking away the leaves is disruptive to that life in the leaf litter. We advise pruning slowly and waiting until you begin to see some insect activity. My plan this year is to wait until late May or early June to cut plants back. I will then be sure to compost my native cuttings.
Ok. Thanks. We are inspired. Now where can we buy native plants?
Natives are harder to source around here but our Hudson Chapter will have two upcoming opportunities for the public to buy native plants up close. We will be at the Secaucus Green Festival with a huge assortment of plants from Gino's Nursery on May 7th. On June 11th we will be at Lincoln Park West with another truck load from Well Sweep Herb Farm.
For more information check out @nativeplantsocietynj and @kimcorrero on IG