In the Garden
“Nature needs our help. Habitat loss is why more than one quarter of all birds have disappeared in the past 50 years, and the reason one third of all plant and animal species could go extinct in the next 50.” This is a quote from the book, “This is How a Robin Drinks,” by Joanna Brichetto.
Our yards and neighborhoods are now critical habitat. If more people believe this, maybe we can become more sustainable. We need fewer pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; fewer all-night security lights and automatic sprinklers; less concrete; more green spaces; and many more native plants to host insects, feed birds, and keep us all alive.
Rather than Bradford Pear, plant Hawthorn or Dogwood. Rather than Japanese Barberry, plant Ninebark, Sumac, Chokeberry, and Red Osier Dogwood. Rather than Oriental Bittersweet, plant Virginia Creeper. Rather than Winged Euonymus, plant blueberry or chokeberry. Rather than Boxwood, plant Inkberry Holly. Rather than Privet, plant Bayberry, Juneberry, and Elderberry. Rather than Forsythia, plant Witch Hazel or Spicebush.
Removing invasive plants isn’t easy, but it’s so satisfying and so good for us — and nature.