Going native

The more I read about native plants, the more it makes sense to have them in my garden. Last Fall, when I put in my perennial garden, I had "drought-resistant" in mind so, I promptly bought some in my list. However, I should have extended my research to include "native" as well.

The acquisition of native plants (or wildflower) is not as easy as it sounds. One can't just pull them out from the wild or any public trails, conservation areas, etc. One can rescue them from any place being developed or the possibility of being destroyed by other means. If a nursery has a native species, "be cautioned about its provenance".

Friends who are willing to share their "stock"is another way of acquiring them. I was lucky: with the generous donation from Bill and Carole's woodlot trail. (friends from our Roaming Riders bicycle group), I now have new native plants in my garden. Bill said that he almost mowed them down!

I just have the right home for these beauties - under and between the Blue Spruce trees in the north-facing part of the back garden. I hope they grow and multiply.




Here's Jack in-the-pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum.







This beautiful red trillium, Trillium erectum, is also called stinking benjamin.







Ontario's provincial flower, the white trillium, Trillium grandiflorum.