A Mind Shift

By Marie Chieppo

Many are wondering how our gardens and the phenological events we depend on will be impacted by the lack of snow and above average temperatures we are experiencing this winter. Without the insulating layer of snow our soils are susceptible to erosion and the plants are receiving less moisture. Last summer’s severe drought already compromised them; sections of roots died off and nutrient uptake was minimized. We will soon find out which plants survived. Make note of them and consider planting more. How we respond to and prepare for such events moving forward will affect the overall health and sustainability of our landscapes. Shifting our thinking away from solely what aesthetic can be achieved to what will work well in the conditions we have, changes the dialogue. An emphasis on sustainability (ability to replenish) and our ecosystems, takes into account how plants interact with each other and the wildlife that depends on them as well as the overall health of the environment we plant them in.

Our native flora gives us a sense of place. We associate plants and wildlife with areas we visit and live in. Since moving to Cape

Cod, I’ve acquainted myself with plants that I never saw in the natural environment close to Boston. With good reason – the geography, climate, flora, temperatures, and soil are very different in a marinebased ecosystem. Our native flora and wildlife co-evolved and formed symbiotic relationships integral to their life cycles – food, habitat and ability to reproduce. The familiar Monarch butterfly is one such example: it relies on the butterfly weed plant for food and habitat in order to complete full formation. The majority of insects are specialists: they require particular native species for habitat, growth and food. Dr. Douglas Tallamy refers to the native plants that host and feed 90% of butterflies and moths as Keystone Plants. Our oaks, members of the cherry family, birches, sunflowers, and goldenrod plants are amongst those he identifies.*When we create a landscape high in biodiversity, we invite a tremendous diversity of wildlife such as our butterflies, bees, moths, and birds. Up to 93% of all flowering plants require pollinators, and 96% of terrestrial birds rely on caterpillars to feed their offspring. Dr. Douglas Tallamy suggests we aim to have 70% native vegetation on our properties to help support as much wildlife as possible. A system that is often overlooked is based on the biodiversity of life that for the most part is not visible to the naked eye: the microorganisms and organisms that support and live in the soil.

The soil food web as it is often referred to, is a factory of producers, consumers, and decomposers that live above and below the soil line. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi not only consume living matter aiding in its decomposition, but also the exudates (sugars, starches, proteins, carbon, and nitrogen) plants produce. These tiny creatures help ward off pathogens, retain nutrients, build soil structure, and improve root intake capacity. This is only the beginning of how living soil supports our plants; there are many more players. The roots of native species typically grow between 3-16 feet, which offers them a tremendous advantage sequestering water and nutrients. When sections of roots die off, they contribute to the organic matter that is quickly used to maintain this invaluable cycle.

Which brings us back to how we move forward in the face of more extreme weather patterns. When faced with such questions I return to natural settings like the woodlands for insight to into how nature can be so self-sustaining. Environmental pressures like drought, pathogens and infestations most certainly impact a woodland’s health, at times on a large scale. The soil that exists is alive; chemicals have not wiped them out. Plants are capable of maintaining fertility within soils and improving it, the roots have established and capable of obtaining what is needed, the plants themselves evolved and adapted to the conditions, a diversity of wildlife supports and relies on them, and material dies off creating an opportunity for another to take its place. Granted, the scenario isn’t always so pristine, but it gives us inspiration for how we can interact with our landscapes.

Knowing our soils and what we have to work with is of the utmost importance. How well does it drain, what type of soil is it, how much organic matter already exists, what are the PH levels? A good soil test provides us with a foundation of information we can use to make informed decisions. Choose plants that will work with the conditions you have. Mother Nature is very adept at winning.

The genetic diversity inherent in straight native species gives them resiliency. They have the best chance of adapting to the everchanging weather, and like the woodland, some will make it and others will not. I believe the nursery industry will begin offering a greater number of straight native species along with cultivars and other ornamental plants that are up to the challenge. Many of our non-native plants have proven their toughness and vigor, like daylilies, hostas, Russian sage, to name only a few. Creating landscapes with a healthy foundation, supports all of the living flora and fauna we have. Shifting our thinking to how we can help foster health and beauty naturally will reconnect us with nature, give us more time to enjoy what is present, provide us with beautiful aesthetics, and add life to our landscapes.

*The National Wildlife Foundation provides a listing of keystone plants native to you region. Go to nwf.org.