My neighborhood's obsession with native species is stifling our garden diversity

I live in a dense urban area where everyone's pushing for native plants in community plots. I mean, idk, maybe it's just me, but why limit ourselves? Last season, I tried introducing some non-native herbs, and the backlash was immediate. We're missing out on so many beneficial plants because of this purist mindset. It's time to embrace a more eclectic approach to urban gardening.

2 comments

2 Comments

bailey.nancy6h ago

You're spot on about the purist mindset! Last year I snuck some lavender into our plot and you would have thought I committed a CRIME. We need that botanical diversity, it's what makes gardens INTERESTING and resilient.

fiona_west2124m ago

Tell me about it. I once planted mint near our community herb beds thinking it would be a nice addition. That stuff spread like a botanical horror movie. My plot neighbor still gives me the side eye whenever she has to pull runners. So much for my brilliant contribution to diversity. I basically introduced an unstoppable green mob. Guess I took the "resilient" part too literally.