Native forum?

I would like to see a native forum, unless I'm missing something. I don't see one. I don't think I'm the only one that would like to see one, am I?

Thanks,
Terry

Well, the rhetorical question is: Native to where? With an international website, it could be argued that every plant is native to somewhere ;o)

However, we do have this forum for wild and/or indigenous plants (i.e., those not hybridized or typically cultivated): http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/wildplants/all/

You pretty much answered your own question! It would be native to wherever you are. I wasn't saying it had to be native to just the US, but native is native, regardless of where you live. I wouldn't expect someone in England to tell me what native berry producing shrub would fit in my yard, here in IL zone 5a. Someone from England would start their own thread on what native shrub would be good for them. And since that's what I'm most interested in....and I know people are migrating over here as I have *wink wink*, I just thought it would be a good topic. I thank you for the link, I guess I'll hang out there. But just keep my idea in the back of your mind, you just never know :o)

Terry

Actually, I didn't answer my own question - I just gave one answer to it ;o) Others would (and have) vehemently disagreed with that answer.

It's unfortunate, but the subject of native plants can be quite controversial. Not only are there the regional and geographic boundaries that some may infer from using the term (and through its use, attempt to exclude some people from participating in the forum) but there are also some very strong opinions about the suitability of exotic plants in one's garden (obviously a personal choice), and whether they should be allowed in their city, state, country or continent.

I'm really not trying to be a wet blanket - I love finding and admiring plants that are native to my area. I'm just urging some caution and sensitivity so we don't have a repeat of arguments and flame wars that have come hand-in-hand with what should be interesting and enlightening discussions.

Terry,
I've not been on any site for natives where the topic becomes extremely heated. I guess I've always figured if somebody wants to plant exotics, then why would they be on the native forum? And if somebody wanted to know what a good native was for their Conneticut garden, I don't bother. I don't know if I make any sense to you...lol....I just know how it is at that "other" site. No wars, just questions pertaining to planting natives. I'm not a native natzi, so don't worry about me starting any argument on the subject. But please understand that native plants are my passion (just as someone else's might me roses)......and I want to be somewhere where I can ask questions pertaining to natives. Perhaps visit that "other" site and go to natives and you can see what I mean. There are rules here correct? No arguing with any other posters?

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond,

Terry (the other one!)

Terryr

We didn't have difficulties over in the forum (only it's name ;) but there have been some hot topics that pertain to the subject of 'Native' plants which is what I think Terry is referring to. Yes there are strict rules here about member behaviour. Here's the AUP in case you've not come across it yet and if you have, it's always worth trotting out again for members that haven't http://davesgarden.com/about/index.php?page=tos

I certainly wouldn't tell you what native to plant in your back yard and I've not known any of my fellow countrymen or fellow international member to do any such thing previously, as it happens there are a dearth of international posters in there at present.

Not to change the subject--but is there a 'natural garden' discussion forum (such as those gardens Oehme, van Sweden & Associates' design) or is that discussion included somewhere else?

Just wondering.

Thanks. t.

Well, since I just became a paying member last night, I'll have to take your word for the "hot" topics. Not sure I understand, but oh well. I did read thru the link you provided because as I said, I just signed up. I think you missed my point on the whole "England" part of my previous post. Just as you and your fellow countrymen wouldn't tell me what to plant in my backyard, I don't think any of us here in the USA would tell you what to plant in yours. My point was it wouldn't matter if this site is international (so's the other), we start our own posts on what it is we're looking for. I've found the native posts/discussions over yonder to be very informative. I also like feeding the wildlife, as in plants that are most beneficial for them....but didn't see any forum for that here either. I know of native plants that are aggressive, but not invasive. There is also a difference in native vs. naturalized. But, I guess that's only my opinion.

Terry

Terry,
As a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts I have become keenly aware of the far differing opinions of what plant is considered native and explosive such as poison ivy and what plant is considered non native and invasive such as purple loosestrife. As of January 1, 2006 my state has begun the process of banning 140 species of plants from its borders. I took great pride in the political process and how they embraced the nursery industry in an attempt to assure as little financial hardship as possible but more importantly benefiting greatly from the first hand knowledge the nursery men had to offer. After the fact this has become a very heated issue on the one side are the citizens who feel native flora and fauna has been seriously compromised by non native plants and insects and on the other side are the citizens who feel most basic liberties (what they can grown in their own back yard) are being denied. Below is a link to the Massachusetts prohibited plants list for those how may be interested. Katy

http://www.mass.gov/agr/farmproducts/proposed_prohibited_plant_list_v12-12-05.htm

Guys, one word...

KUDZU!!

mg

Welcome, terryr--to DG. Good to have you posting.

I think you will find some good discussion about just about every garden topic, including natives (and invasives), but sometimes it takes a little time to discover posters who have similar interests...

Probably if you check out and post on the 'Indigenous' forum from time to time you will find members who have a common interest and knowledge of natives for your area. And they could probably use some new posters to add energy and new and different perspectives to the forum. I am sure they will welcome your comments.

BTW We were just discussing "Wild Ones", the gardening group founded in Wisconsin some years ago, on the "Garden Talk" forum-- 'Wild Ones' I think has a strong interest in natives. So I know there are others who would like to read your questions and comments in other parts of DG, too. Are you a member of that group?

I think it is important to raise everyone's consciousness about native plants and how important it is to use and respect them in the home garden and in the community. Many times the use of native flora is overlooked by avid gardeners and professionals, too, because of carelessness or ignorance, and DG can help address that with some thoughtful discussion, too. And so that's what I think!

I can't get that link to work, runktrun...

Sounds very interesting, though.

'Native plant politics' can be an explosive issue, no doubt about it. An interesting one, too.

Thanks for the information. t.

I'd also really like to see a Native Plant forum. I notice a warning at the top of this forum reminding people not to discuss politics. Maybe just a warning that discussions (maybe even specify about invasives) need to stay civil would do the trick. It does depend on the people involved—“over there” it almost always stayed ok on the Native Plant forum itself.

If the problem was over the name “Native Plants”, maybe the flip side a forum on invasives could be useful. I think it’s important to have a place to get information on these topics out there. I know 5 years, even though I cared about the environment and wildlife I knew almost nothing about these things.

Having these forums like these would actually let me have more exotics than I would otherwise. There were times I was unclear based on lists whether a plant in my yard was considered a problem. Being able to ask people I knew cared about such things and hearing they weren’t would be a big help.

Terry, there is a forum on Wildlife, although from what I’ve read so far, it’s less from a gardening perspective, and more about actually seeing the animals. From the posts I’ve read it seems like a good group of people, and some of the topics are definitely of interest to me. Maybe it’d be ok to post there on wildlife gardening. I don’t think that would be off-topic but we could always check.

I added it to my home page here about 10 days ago, and now can only find it that way, since the forum tab is gone. I did look under both Garden Talk and Home Talk tabs

-- Lori

No tobasco, I don't believe I've heard of wild ones. I can certainly do a search and see what I come up with.

Thank you Lori, I'll be sure to check out the wildlife forum.

Mornin gayle, that's exactly what I'm referring to. You say Kudzu. It isn't native, it was introduced. Along with Jap honeysuckle and all the other various flora destroying natural habitat. Here's a link on kudzu:

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pumo1.htm

I'll just have to post questions on various forums and see what kind of responses I get.

Thanks to all,
Terry

"Garden Foes" covers invading plants as well as pests and diseases. For the same reason we don't have a forum titled "natives", we don't have one titled "invasives" - those words can invoke some very strange reactions in people.

I know it probably appears I've developed a really odd nervous tic when these words get tossed about, and I do apologize for sounding so pessimistic. Truth be told, I'm hoping against hope we can have interesting and civilized discussions regarding natives and invasives without the maelstrom that has historically ensued when these topics are raised.

It's funny. In all the years I've been involved in native plant organizations and study, I've never heard the word indigenous being applied to native plants. But I looked it up and apparently that's one of its meanings. Guess I learn something new all the time.
Linda

terryr: good to see you posting here. I don't usually browse this forum, I'm mostly over at Trees and Shrubs.

It looks like all the helpful posters are steering you around to what you are looking for. As I was reading down the posts, I kept saying "Indigenous! Indigenous! It's the same thing!" I guess you've found that out now. All that remains is the "invigoration" suggested above, which means you, I, and others need to start posting threads and getting folks out of the winter lethargy. Same at the Wildlife forum. I sure appreciate the animal/insect pictures, but those critters exist because there are all the cohort plants which coexist for a reason.

It's too bad semantics has to get in the way of a good debate, but so be it. You're here now, that's what matters. Let the info flow!

1 : having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment
2 : INNATE, INBORN
synonym see NATIVE

This is from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary. The emphasis is theirs.

Having been a part of the "Natives" vs "Indigenous" discussion, I can assure you that the Indigenous Plants Forum is what you are looking for. It's been quiet lately - start some posts!

Thanks John (viburnamvalley it is alright, isn't it? that I call you John?) Thank you for the email, btw. But you still didn't answer my question :)! And I have to agree with Linda, indigenous isn't a word I hear. But now I know! And yes, Kathleen, I'm on way now to have a look! Where is it now :)

Thanks much!

Terry

Just don't call me late for dinner.

So.... should everybody meet over at the 'Indigenous Forum'?!! I would like to see more interest in how to use indigenous grasses and annuals and woodland flora in the landscape...

http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/wildplants/all/

(and I see terryr has already asked about her shrub border)

And, by the way, over in the Wildlife forum (even though that forum doesn't seem to be listed under the 'Garden Talk" tab*** and I think it should be***) there is always interest in gardening and natural habitats.

How to get your property certified with the National Wildlife Foundation as a 'natural habitat', or to create a Monarch Butterfly Waystation http://www.monarchwatch.org/ws/index.html , or to provide a blue bird habitat or nature walk are popular topics to discuss on that forum.

http://davesgarden.com/place/f/wildlife/all/

....Always something interesting on DG! (even if it gives Terry a nervous tic!) (just a joke, Terry, don't get flustered at me!) ;-)

It's 57 degrees here and my Pileated Woodpeckers are back at my window feeder. (Just a 'nature note' to share--and I think they are 'indigenous' to Ohio, so not off topic too much) LOL t.

It does seem like 'Indigenous Forum' should fit the bill. Looks like some of the people on this thread have increased traffic there already :)

Terry (admin Terry), thanks. I took a quick look at Gardening Foes, and will look more on the weekend probably.