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Native Shrub Border
Our native shrub border, planted in 2004, was accomplished in part thanks to a Johnson & Johnson “Healthy People, Healthy Planet” award for environmental excellence. Native plant communities are becoming threatened in New Jersey as a result of the excessive deer population. This in turn has affected migratory patterns of songbirds that depend on the valuable food and shelter they provide. A shrub border is an alternative backyard habitat using indigenous trees, shrubs, and perennials to replace typical non-native landscape plants or exotic invasive plants such as mulitflora rose (Rosa multiflora), autumn olive (Eleagnus umbellata) and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Native plants are well adapted to growing conditions in NJ, thereby minimizing the need for additional water, fertilizer and pesticide.
To begin establishing our native garden, we began by designating an area and removing all invasive plants. Native trees and shrubs were planted and seeds were sown. In order to give the plants a healthy head start, a deer fence was erected. Within one year, young dogwood seedlings and goldenrods had emerged showing a promising future for this “work in progress.” Removal of non-native species and an application of mulch will take place on an annual basis with the help of volunteers, until the area is established. Over time, the native plants will out-compete the invasive plants. The site conditions will determine the survival of specific plants. Our soils tend to be heavy and moist and will support plant communities that prefer those conditions. However there are host of other natives that prefer well-drained, dry conditions.
When purchasing plants for a shrub border, be sure to select native plants, appropriate for your site.
For suggestions on site specific plants:
Bird and Butterfly Garden
Native Shrub Border
Native Wildflower Meadow
Native Warm-Season Grass Meadow
Native Tree and Shrub List
