Plant More Natives
  • Plant Store
  • Merchandise
  • Gift Cards
  • Join/Connect
  • About
  • Plant Store
  • Merchandise
  • Gift Cards
  • Join/Connect
  • About
Search

Let's Talk...

5/27/2016

Comments

 
There once was a time when developers didn’t clear-cut, when houses were built among the trees, and the natural landscapes were preserved. That’s the way it was done, because back then we were just as excited about the land as the house. Today, older neighborhoods have massive 100-year old trees dotting their landscapes, but not so within newer communities.
Picture
Quercus phellos
We were told it’s easier and less expensive to clear-cut, build, and then put back the trees and shrubs. However, we’re now learning there’s a cost associated with this approach, simply because we’re not putting back the natives and we’re not putting back enough plants to replicate the biodiversity needed to support a functional landscape. Also, bear in mind, our national parks and open spaces just don’t cut it. There’s too many of us and not enough functional landscape left.
Picture
Within one generation, the cost associated with clear-cutting has been reallocated. We now chew up resources to re-educate the public about ecosystem services and the benefits of biodiversity. We burn resources to redesign and re-landscape for biodiversity. And there’s also a cost associated with installing sterile landscapes and then doing nothing to fix them… fewer functional landscapes.
It’s not because we don’t care. We just haven’t understood the long-term implications, and we don’t know what we don’t know. The research regarding the benefits of using native plants and the ecosystem services they provide is ongoing and just beginning to unfold. However, we can start the conversation with our neighbors and our local planning officials by becoming better educated and inviting the researchers, such as Doug Tallamy, Jules Bruck and their colleagues, to speak within our local communities. With more information, conversation, and careful planning, we can preserve and plant more functional landscapes.
Picture
Comments
    Picture
    Karen
    Welcome to my journal. For over 20 years I've created original landscape plans to help homeowners increase property value and really enjoy their yards. I approach every project as an unique opportunity to develop a work of living art, one that will require minimal care and age beautifully with time. In this journal, I will share some of my field experiences and tricks of the trade with you. Feel free to email questions. Thanks for visiting.

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2018
    September 2017
    January 2017
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015

Follow Us

Copyright © 2023 Plant More Natives, LLC, Richmond, Virginia. All rights reserved.

Customer Care

Contact Us
Order and Shipping  Information

​Go-To Native Plant List
Eastern US Butterflies & Host Plants

Nectar Sources for Beneficial Bugs
Food Sources for Mason Bees

Go-To Green Mulch
Natives for Containers
Bloom Height Chart
Botanical Name Cheat Sheet


Picture
Picture
  • Plant Store
  • Merchandise
  • Gift Cards
  • Join/Connect
  • About