A Message from the President:
Margaret Roach’s recent article in the New York Times inspires us to think about not only what we say but how we say it when we talk about native plants.
In “How to Grow a Mainly Native Garden” (Gift article, published March 17), Margaret writes that “I’m probably not alone among gardeners who respond better to a friendly suggestion than to a scolding.” She aptly notes a preference for “Have you considered this?” over “Don’t do that.”
We may have wonderful intent, but our choice of words matters as we advocate for native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community. As we encourage our friends and neighbors to help with this most hopeful cause, let’s use the language of compassionate understanding and gentle guidance.
It may be tempting to build on someone’s comments about their native plant journey by telling them what they “should” do. Let’s not do that.
Instead, Margaret recommends a new book by Elise Howard titled “Plant This, Not That.” Elise, who gardens in New York City and Western Massachusetts, establishes basic principles for selecting, and using, natives in gardens around the country. She offers a helpful list of 200-plus substitutions for invasive and non-native plants. Her first principle is to “Aim for a mainly native garden,” which she defines as 70 percent native.
Capital Region residents will have a chance to hear from Elise Howard in person this month at an event co-hosted by the Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs and the SoBro Conservancy. The event takes place at the bookstore on Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Yes, there is urgency to our message about native plants, but it will be better received and easier to inspire change if the language is softened. Margaret Roach and Elise Howard can help us with that.
Rosemary Mix
Chapter President
Wild Ones Capital Region NY