Threat of Rain?

Am I the only one who sees the irony in weather reports that refer to even a light shower as a “threat”? This past fall, when there were days without rain, reports still described possible rain as a “threat.” Unfortunately, the use of such language grabs attention, which is clearly the goal. But I can’t help but think of the less fortunate areas of the world suffering from extreme heat and drought while we label rain as something ominous.

I have never taken for granted that we live in a region that is typically neither too wet nor too dry for extended periods. But this balance can and will change. Like all sentient beings, we must adapt.

Adapting with Native Plants

January has always been the month for the Mid-Atlantic Nurseryman’s Trade Show (MANTS) in Baltimore. You know a show has been around a long time when its name reflects an older industry term. What has changed over the years is the increasing number of nurseries offering native plants, trees, and perennials.

Native plants are those naturally present in the region since the last ice age. They express the character of our natural landscapes in a way that introduced species cannot. Adapted to local conditions, they require little extra water, fertilizer, or pesticides and thrive even as the environment changes. As a landscape designer and installer, plant survivability is critical to my reputation and repeat business—nursery growers understand this as well.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Site

Selecting the appropriate native plants for your specific site conditions is crucial. Wet, dry, shade, sun—there are adaptable native plants for all these situations. An on-site analysis and consultation can determine which plants will thrive, ultimately saving on replacement costs—not to mention the disappointment of watching something struggle and fail.

Supporting Ecosystems

Native plants also provide essential habitat and food for wildlife. I once saw a T-shirt that read, “Choke me with a Kousa Berry,” referencing the large, inedible berries of the Chinese dogwood, which birds cannot consume or feed to their young. In contrast, native dogwoods, when established in the right location, produce digestible berries and serve as an insect food source—just one example of the many beneficial native plants, trees, perennials, and grasses that sustain local ecosystems in our ever-changing environment.