Special Forum Proposed for Southeast native plants

I am in zone 9-10 and I grow ferns, semps and sedums. How do I do it, wont other people from the same zones in other parts of the world want to know?
I grow then on quilts as in the picture. Two pieces chicken wire mesh, frame filled with long fiber coir, leaf mulch, leaf litter, sand, crushed lime stone. As the quilt is free draining and retains moisture for 48 hours, that's one problem taken care off. Breeze moving over it cools it and the micro climate around it by up to 10c another problem taken care off.
Same way if any one is doing stellar work on Philodendrons under controlled conditions, wont I want to know as to how its being done in Alaska. Why bifurcate?
Regards.

Masud, the topic is amount of traffic in the forum if it is split to regional. My reply was I DON'T think it will increase the traffic here no matter what is done, but that it would make it more simple for those whom have no interest in non regional learning until they learn their surrounding flora. Lack of understanding communication variables - you are speaking bifurcated and we may be speaking temperate zones- will lose those whom were asking for help and you will be left holding conversations with only yourself.

I, personally, would be more inclined to visit a forum were it geared a bit more specifically to my region, "native-wise". This is the first time for me visiting the "native plants and wild plants" forum... why? Because it covers natives from all over the world in one place; it could take me hours, if not days, to find what I'm looking for.... that is, without posting my own separate inquiry, which risks redundancy.

I think of it this way: Do I want to walk into a city looking for one person, or would I rather walk into a house looking for one person? I would find the house less daunting.

Should I suddenly have an interest in a plant that is 'native' to another region, I will go to that region's thread for my research. After all, I'm a member here, so that information is certainly available to me. :) While looking for 'natives' to my region, I would find a thread geared toward my region much more productive, and I would be MUCH more likely to visit it.

As to how to separate... that's a tough one. Elsewhere, the forums are separated by region, could we not follow suit? (A bit easier for some of us Polish-minded people to follow.) ;)

Just my thoughts on the subject.

I think it's implied, but not actually stated or declared, that this is North American natives, by virtue of the origin of the site.

Like sallyg, I've thought of this forum as one for US natives, although I never mind seeing posts from around the globe.

I am most likely to be growing plants native to the area east of the Mississippi, although I don't just hold it to that. And I will continue to look in on any forums dealing with US natives.

Or at least sources and refs 'sticky' at the top and at least noted they are forcertain regions. we were Once USA based only - at least forum- wise. Ma.y of us have problems finding plants in the database when we have no ckue what to look for.

Oh silly speedy- You're not silly. We looked at this thru different lenses is all, my lens said mainly US...my assumption is that way, not that everybody else ahs to think it too....
I do like kittriana's suggestion of regional Sticky Posts info at the top.

Yeah, I like Kittriana's suggestion too, I think that's a very helpful idea.

Maybe my lenses got a little smudged out in the rain today... perhaps I should go clean them. ;)

Regional sticky threads for photos and plant descriptions sound like a good idea to me, but a general thread for those interested in preserving natives is needed also. An "Act regionally, think globally" sort of thing. (Jim)

I live in Northern Virginia (zone 7), and as a fairly new convert to planting only natives I would of course favor a forum that includes my zone. For now, I'm hoping I can take advantage of your collective knowledge to get information about Mahonia aquifolium: what do I need to plant nearby to maximize berry production? Are there male and female Mahonia aquifolium? Will Mahonia repens do the trick (no pun intended)? I have one new aquifolium that is doing very well in my yard and I want to plant more.

Hi,
Your question will get more attention as a brand new thread in this forum.

Thanks for the advice, Sally.

Has anything ever come of the suggestion for regional forums? I'd love to see a forum for Southeast region natives and wildflowers.

This forum only generates about 50 threads a year. To limit it to a fraction of one country would reduce traffic even more. If you and others from your region participate more you can make it a de facto Southeast region natives forum without discouraging a wider viewing. Why let the less restrictive name of this forum stifle your participation?

Oh sorry. That wasn't my intention I just found this and I thought it would be in addition to this forum and not a replacement for it.

Nothing to apologize for. My point is that there is so little traffic on this forum now that beginning a separate forum would result in two even more poorly attended forums, and I don't believe a name change would result in more participation. If folks in the Southeast care to dominate this forum and make it essentially a regional forum I'm all for that since anything would be more satisfying than the sluggish state this forum is currently in. Besides, if you check out the past threads you will discover that most have been from that region.

I understand. Sounds like a plan. :)

Native are often considered weeds. We need a foram for each region of the US to help our fellow gardeners see how wonderful the native plants in their region are.

I agree. Great point.

To repeat my earlier point: "This forum only generates about 50 threads a year. To limit it to a fraction of one country would reduce traffic even more." I don't see how narrowing content would do anything but diminish participation. The assertion that the lack of traffic is because one has to "root around" is ridiculous since there is so little content as it is. Those who think there isn't enough from their region can change that simply by initiating threads. If you want more content relevant to you, generate some.

Stick with current format. Reposting my previous vote :
I personally feel there is not enough activity to warrant a split.
Here as in general Plant ID, it is helpful to have a hint in your thread title as to your location.

Read more: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1266329/#ixzz2P1wBLGmY

We are an odd sect if you will. I am obviously interested in southeast natives, but the question as to traffic... if you want there to be more activity, can't we make that happen? I'd love to see a thread devoted to idle chatter about the weeds in my garden.

If you build it, they will come.

A.

Amanda - Start a thread about the weeds in your garden, I'm sure it will attract chatter.

This message was edited Apr 5, 2013 9:29 AM

I never have idle weeds in my garden. They're all very aggressive.

Tom:

I'll do it. :)

A.

Here's my new thread. :)

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1305737/
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1305737/
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1305737/

OK , I don't write often ( who would read my comments ,anyway ) , but I do look forward to a new post in Southeast natives !
POP

I read your comments. :) Happy that you like to read about the Southeast native plants. Please do continue to post.

Cville ,
Thanks , we are having an unusual spring / summer in Middle Georgia . Lots of rain and very unusual cooler than normal temps . It has delayed a lot of veggie garden plantings for sure . I got some new native azaelas this spring from our local Native plant specialist ,also planted some of my favorite perennials ,asclepias tuberosa ,Butterfly weed , they are tough plants .

Same here. In fact, it is down into the mid to lower 40s this morning. However, it's heading toward 90° by the end of next week. The tomatoes and peppers should like that but as you said, other things have been delayed. I grow mostly Asclepias curassavica (for the Monarchs) but have several other Asclepias. The last couple of years there have been so many butterflies in the yard.

I really enjoy the native azaleas. Which ones did you get?

I have mostly natural woodland from the foothills to the blue ridge. + some even from right here in my woods .

That's great, Birdie. Do you have any photos? I would love to see some.

the answer is yes, finding them is not so sure. I'm searching though

:)