Discussion Forum on Systems Thinking

Greedy native plants

Greedy native plants

by Eric Peck -
Number of replies: 1

Hi everyone, 

A very big reason why I joined the MGV classes was to look in to ways to embrace my goal of having mostly native plants in my gardens, and hopefully sharing that goal with more people by giving them the information on how to cultivate and grow a native garden. I have a persistent trumpet vine infestation in my yard from the folks that owned the house before we did, these things were rampant and had practically killed 3 smaller maples we had in our yard. Turns out trumpet vines are actually a native species for the easter US. This got me thinking about how even native species of plants in an area can be overly aggressive and hog resources from other plants and just shooting for a fully native garden does not necessarily take that into account. This information has reminded me while looking at plants to use while trying to nativize my yard to make sure I also look at their ability to become invasive and take up resources from the other plants I have around. 

In reply to Eric Peck

Re: Greedy native plants

by Kathleen Burns -
Well...I always wanted to plant a trumpet vine. I thought they were pretty. After listening to everyone this past Wednesday, I've changed my mind. I have enought trouble with my wisteria, creeping charlie, bindweed and who knows what else in the yard.