By Nikki Belmonte
When we consider how we as individuals in a rapidly growing state like Georgia can contribute to improving the quality of life for ourselves and our neighbors, those of us with land – from sprawling acres to a postage stamp yard – have an opportunity to lead and influence. Low intensity development has been the dominant trend, with neighborhoods of single family homes with yards popping up all over Georgia. Studies show that Georgia will grow to 14 million people by 2060 and this is going to strain our resources, so we ought to learn how we can be effective stewards of our individual slices of land.
Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica), a bright native perennial in bloom now enjoyed by multitudes of insects and hummingbirds. Photo by N. Belmonte.
The bright and sunny days of summer are here, as are the blooms of hundreds of native perennials and shrubs. It is a cheery time of year when you can’t help but be happy when you take a walk outside, surrounded by all colors of the rainbow and the sounds of birds and insects. How we design our properties to look in human-dominated areas contributes to our quality of life. When we use native plants, we inherently and deliberately design for more than ourselves by offering habitat to other living things. We also improve soil and water quality, and decrease erosion. Now that is a quality of life booster.
It takes some effort on one’s behalf to make that change, but it’s doable if you take small steps. The process is also a lot of fun. Have you ever been plant shopping?? There are many memes out there that accurately describe the feeling of excitement and pure joy (and sometimes rebellion) of going plant shopping. Beyond that rush of adrenalin, there is the satisfaction of fostering new life and getting to know your land. What really helps people is seeing examples and hearing from others with experience. Here are two upcoming opportunities through Georgia Native Plant Society (GNPS) to do just that:
Take a Walk on the Wild Side – Essential Habitat Elements of a Rewilded Yard
On Saturday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m., the North Metro Atlanta chapter of GNPS will host Laura Markson, a local backyard naturalist from Nurture Native Nature, at the Sewell Mill library in Marietta. Laura will share the daily joy and wonder of experiencing nature in her own rewilded yard. She will explain the basic ways we can increase biodiversity and offer safe wildlife habitat no matter what size land you are tending. Considerations when adding basic elements such as water sources and native plants, and tips for doing no harm will be offered. The program will inspire you to make at least one change in your own yard and include resources to get you started. And best of all, it’s free and open to the public! This is also a great chance for those of you in north and west metro Atlanta to meet other like-minded folks and learn more about the chapter.
Intown Atlanta GNPS Native Garden Tour
On Saturday, June 8 join the Intown Atlanta chapter of GNPS for a self-guided tour of five beautiful habitats created to support biodiversity, pollinators and other wildlife. Four are private urban cottage gardens and certified GNPS Native Plant Habitats. The fifth is the new Trees Atlanta headquarters, thoughtfully landscaped with native perennials, shrubs and trees. The gardens are located near Atlanta’s Southside and Westside Beltline Trail. At each property, the homeowner or primary gardener and GNPS volunteers will be available to answer questions and point out highlights. This is a fantastic opportunity to get inspired and see what native plantings look like once established.
The Big Picture
We can all have a hand in being better stewards. Change can happen – one native plant at a time, one person at a time. If each person in Georgia replaced one non-native plant, there would be more than 11 million native plants added back to the ground. Imagine that happening every year as our population continues to grow. I encourage you to start looking at ways you can be part of the one-native-plant-per-year movement (hopefully, you’ll try for more than one). Education is the root of that change and GNPS is working towards making more educational opportunities like the ones shared above available across the state. This spring we’re running the Roots and Shoots Spring campaign to increase our capacity to support our chapters’ mission-critical programs and develop a one-stop shop for all things native plants. However you choose to participate in the native plant movement, know that this choice makes a difference not just for you, but also for your community and the quality of life for all surrounding living things. Consider this parting shot of a bumblebee comfortably feeding in a large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora) – just one plant can make a difference.
Large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora) by N.Belmonte.
Thanks to GNPS. Have many natives in my yard. Bees, Butterflies and birds. Loving every minute of them.
Wish I could go to workshops but not physically able.