|
FEATURE PLANT: Black-eyed Susan (Kentucky's 2007 Wildflower of the Year)
|
 Kentucky's wildflower enthusiasts chose the Black-eyed Susan as the Salato Native Plant Program Wildflower of the Year for 2007. Black-eyed Susans are a favorite of butterflies and songbirds and are a great choice for backyard wildlife habitat. They are pollinated by bees, wasps, beetles, flies, and many other insects. To learn more about the Black-eyed Susan, visit the Salato Native Plant Program web site. |
|
|
<< Previous 1 2 Next >>
Native Plants and PRIDE Environmental Education Grants
PRIDE Environmental Education Grant funds may be used to purchase only native plants. The purpose of this policy is to help students recognize and appreciate local flora and prevent the escape of exotic species.
Non-native plants are not to be purchased with PRIDE grant funds. Non-native plants include most annuals and landscaping or beautification plants such as pansies and hostas.
What Are Native Plants?
Plants that existed in an area prior to European settlement
Why Native Plants?
- Native plants have evolved over thousand of years and have adapted to the local conditions.
- They rarely need watering and flourish without fertilizers or pesticides.
- They provide food and habitat for wildlife.
- They contribute to biodiversity.
How Can Native Plants Be Used?
- Create a butterfly garden.
- Incorporate native plants into an existing flowerbed.
- Plant native trees and shrubs for bird habitat.
- Create a wetland area for run-off prevention or wildlife habitat.
How Do I Start a Native Plant Garden?
- Learn about plants native to your area.
- Evaluate your conditions; soil, sunlight and climate.
- Consider whether a woodland, meadow, savanna, prairie or wetland plant community is most appropriate for your conditions.
How Can I Make My Native Plants SHINE?
Start Small -- Experiment with your design and planting techniques on a small scale, then use what you learn to expand each year.
Honor Others -- Be an ambassador for the native plant movement and border your garden with a fence, hedge or mowed edge as a sign that your property is being managed. This will assist your groundskeepers with learning the mowing boundaries around your native plant garden.
Inform Others -- Educate others and your students on the benefits of using diverse native species. Add welcoming elements to you garden, such as a bench or bird bath, to communicate that you are caring for the area.
Network with Others -- Learn from others and share what you learn. Get acquainted with staff at your local nature centers and visits native plant nurseries.
Exercise Patience -- Your native garden will not evolve overnight. It will grow, change and evolve over the years.
Where Can I Buy Native Plants or Learn More?
Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program: To purchase your own Backyard Wildlife Habitat kit, call 800-858-1549 and ask for the gift shop. Each kit is $12.00, plus $2.00 shipping. The kit includes instructions for developing habitat for wildlife and establishing wildflowers from seeds, nest box plans, and many more great ideas, facts and tips for turning your school grounds or yard at home into a wildlife habitat.
Shooting Star Nursery
444 Bates Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Telephone: (502) 223-1679
Fax: (502) 227-5700
E-mail: shootingstarnursery@msn.com
Salato Native Plant Program
Mary Carol Cooper
1 Game Farm Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Telephone: (502) 564-5280
Dropseed Nursery
13930 Brush Run Rd.
Louisville, KY 40299
Telephone: (502) 439-9033
E-mail: jeff@dropseednursery.org
Wild Ones Natural Landscaping
P.O. Box 1274
Appleton, WI 54912-1274
Telephone: (877) 394-9453
|
Home 
