Comments on: Ornamental grasses for beginner gardeners only? No way!

By: Yvonne Cunnington

Yvonne Cunnington — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:59:17 +0000

Hi Gerry: Even though I use lots of native plants in my gardening, I certainly don’t exclude non-natives by any means. Welcome, Scott: Sounds like you and I are in full agreement. You’re right, Salix, the sheer size of the space you and I have to deal with is challenge enough. And Eve, those Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ are really overused in the landscape, so I can see why you haven’t been attracted to them. I even find that they’re not terribly drought-tolerant, which can be a problem in hot, dry years (they liked the past two summer here). I prefer Rudbeckia subtomentosa, a taller native species, but they bloom later and they’re too tall for smaller residential gardens. Yes, that’s Joe Pye in the picture, one of my favorite native perennials.

By: Eve

Eve — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:13:26 +0000

I’m slowly learning what is going to work here Yvonne. Grasses look great right now. It’s funny because I’ve always avoided Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans), I don’t know why. I love the wild ones that used to grow in my fields up north. I bought one this year and it is one of the best looking plants in the garden. I’m going with them. I hope they do as well as yours. Also is that Joe-Pye Weed? I’m going to be looking into that as well. Native is where I’m looking to go! Thanks Yvonne!

By: Salix

Salix — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:59:51 +0000

Well said, Yvonne.
I’m still losing plants that don’t like it here although they are in the right climate and tolerate clay (as we have) – that’s enough frustration, no exotic challenge for me.
I can imagine though, that someone with a tiny garden space might need a little challenge, but that’s not us.
Lene

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:26:39 +0000

I couldn’t agree more…gardening isn’t about creating a totally artificial environment. I’ve always felt we should embrace our natives and non-natives that are suited to our conditions. Using exotics often encourages the use of excess water, chemicals and fertilizers…not to mention the inordinate amount of effort required. A good gardener works WITH his conditions…not against them, anything else is masochism, and I, for one, garden for the pleasure it brings.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:22:14 +0000

Not that forsythias are native to Ontario or even N America. I think I garden for the looks, but with the ease of maintenance a very important criteria. Plants that need coddling or cuddling have to be worthwhile. i.e. there may be a plant or 2 that you will expend your time and energy on because the benefits outweigh the work involved. Roses may be such an example. (not that I have very many roses in my garden.)