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They are able to grow and mature rapidly, spread to other areas and thrive in many habitats. However, a small number of non-native plant species have become invasive and are very difficult to control. Usually this not a problem because most plants grow and limit their development to the site on which they are planted. Many plants sold in nurseries or as seed are not native to the United States. Is there more information on planting native species?īoth the Connecticut Botanical Society and the Arboretum at Connecticut College have information on native plants.Īre there any plants that I should not use in my yard or garden? Note: It is illegal to collect any plants from state-owned lands without a permit. Please don’t take uncommon plants from the wild – many of our most beautiful plants are now endangered because they were collected for garden use. If you don’t see the native plant species that you want at the nursery, ask them if they would be willing to order them for you from a wholesaler. Another source is the Native Plant Trust (New England Wildflower Society). UConn has a list of nurseries that sell Connecticut native plants. The mulch, which was 50% recycled brush and 50% pine bark, minimized the need for weeding and help keep moisture in the soil. When the plants arrived, we had a team of DEEP volunteers ready to plant, water and add mulch to the garden. We ordered the plants from a local nursery that carries many native species.
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Compost adds organic matter, improving soil texture and providing essential nutrients to the plants. To improve the site before planting, we mixed compost into the existing soil with the help of the Knox Parks Green Crew. Structure and organization was also desired, locating the more low-growing plants toward the front and the larger shrub material at the back. Some winter greenery was desirable in what is an otherwise cold, shaded winter location. These plants would help soften the geometry of the beds and contrast with the smooth, but hard vertical and horizontal surfaces of concrete and stone.
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Aesthetic considerations included choosing shrubs and perennials that would have varied texture and form in growth habit expressive through leaf and overall plant shape and size. The size of the planting beds meant that the scale of the planting would be small and the viewing distance relatively short, allowing for greater detail in individual plants to be observed at close range. The plants that were selected share some common growing characteristics, satisfy the existing restrictions, and look attractive with each other in a somewhat naturalistic way. There were a number of restrictions that had to be taken in account when we chose the plants, including shallow soil depth, a predominately shaded location, strong winter winds, no permanent irrigation system, and a limited budget. We wanted the garden to be an example of a native planting in an urban setting, as well as low maintenance and interesting to the passer-by. Once the plants are established, they will require little or no maintenance. They are accustomed to the type of soil and the amount of rainfall that we have here in New England. Plant species that are native to the region are well adapted to the climate. Most of the plants that we selected for the DEEP gardens are native to New England and all are native to some part of the eastern United States. It’s a small but important example of how we can preserve part of our state’s natural heritage.Ī plant species is considered native if it was present in a state or region before the arrival of European settlers. That’s why you will find native, non-invasive plantings in the garden beds on either side of the front entrance at 79 Elm Street in Hartford. DEEP’s Native Plant Garden at 79 Elm StreetĪt DEEP, we try to lead by example – we recycle, compost and buy clean energy to power our headquarters in Hartford.