3/9/2023 0 Comments Morning glory flower arch![]() ![]() Of course, not all nonnative plants pose horrendous problems, but those that do run amok do it because whatever keeps them in balance in their native land-soils, predators, pathogens, or weather conditions-are lacking here. ![]() English ivy is capable of one other feat, if left alone long enough: Killing entire trees. ![]() Both suppress and exclude native vegetation and form dense monocultures that are unsuitable as wildlife habitat. More problematic species often reproduce in several ways: For example, Himalayan blackberry and English ivy (shown above) and its cultivars spread via rooting stems and by fruits eaten and dispersed by wildlife. Foxglove ( Digitalis purpurea), as lovely as a biennial can be, may not be one of the worst offenders, but it doesn’t stay put with its countless tiny seeds, and shows up in places it doesn’t belong, basically making life miserable for the native plants that do. All this rearranging of the earth’s flora started innocently enough centuries ago, but experts fear that it’s reached a point where biological diversity is severely threatened and essential interactions, like pollination, are damaged. Thousands of species have been brought to North America, and many of ours have been sent abroad. Invasive plants are nonnatives that were-and continue to be-brought here either intentionally by the nursery trade (or agriculture), or accidentally (as packing material and such). Areas close to urban areas are hardest hit, but even ecosystems far from the madding crowd can suffer from their effects. Luckily, I know much better now and-with the exception of some infrequently traveled trails in remote corners of the world-I cannot remember a hike where I haven’t encountered invasive plants (and sometimes a terribly large number of them). Why? Because I encountered them in natural areas. I’m embarrassed to admit that when I first moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1990, before I knew much about regional native plants, I thought that foxgloves were native plants. Each flower has its charms.A little neglect goes a long way (English ivy takes over). I love the orange pastel of the Black-Eyed Susan a lot, but choosing a favorite is too tricky. Let us know which trailing plants are your favorite? We just brainstormed our favorite list of trailing plant options ideal for whether you’re new to the world of homesteading or if you’re a green-thumbed guru! Read More – Which Leaves Are Safe to Eat? Edible Leaves Part 2! Flowering Trailing Plants – Which is Your Favorite? Plant seeds before the first frost in Zones 6 to 11. Petunias are weather tolerant and, when planted in sunny areas, will provide splashes of color in your garden! They will cover an area of 12 to 14 inches ( 30 to 35cm), making them an excellent plant to intermingle or grow on their own. Perfect for bed edging, the single or ruffled blooms are just as perfect when cascading over the sides of hanging baskets! The Petunia family offers a variety of wavy-edged flowers in a multitude of colors from buttery yellow to pastel pink, striped, veined, or solid colors. Very easy to grow, fabulous Wave petunias flower all season long. Who else wants a nightshade that’s also a commendable trailing plant? The Wave Petunia makes all of the hard work you put into your lawn and garden worth the effort!
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