Planting with Purpose
As many of you know, planting with native plants and educating others on the value of native plants is one of the facets of my work. A portion of the outreach and education that the Delaware Native Plant Society provides during the course of a year is hosting volunteer opportunities for landscape rehabilitation and reforestation throughout the state. A recent project that we have taken on, in coordination with the City of Dover, is rehabilitating a storm water management pond at a local park.
This includes selecting, installing, and monitoring native plants around the perimeter of the pond as well just inside the water’s edge—the fun stuff. But it also includes the more not-so-fun stuff like removing trash, eradicating invasives, and thinning out aggressive woody vegetation from around the pond.
The purpose of this rehabilitation, as I see it, is two-fold: One, it increases wildlife and pollinator habitat and all the ecosystem services provided by this type of measure. And two, it beautifies the environment while helping to educate the public at large. Many times we pass by nondescript areas without realizing the benefits that are occurring in that one spot. By planting species that are more showy, we can help attract people’s attention and highlight the important features of the site.
A few examples of these plantings in Dover can be applied to your own home gardens, especially if you have a low, wet area in your yard or a rain garden that helps mitigate drainage.
Let’s start with lobelia, of which we are planting three species. We thought it would be fun to plant a mixture of colors of lobelia around the edge of the pond, where it regularly floods during rain events and remains somewhat moist most of the time.
Lobelia cardinalis or cardinal flower is probably the most well-known of the lobelias. It’s vibrant red flowers are tubular and are pollinated by hummingbirds. It grows up to five or six feet tall, can spread easily, and likes moist and wet conditions. It can take sun, part-sun, or shade. It can bloom anytime from May through October. Cardinal flower gets its name from the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. The plant is toxic if ingested in large quantities, but Native Americans did use it in small quantities in teas to treat ailments.
Another lobelia is Lobelia siphiltica or great blue lobelia. Best known for its color as well, since blue is somewhat rare in the wild. This lobelia blooms later in summer and also prefers moist to wet conditions. It can grow up to five feet tall. The species name is a little unfortunate—it was thought to be a cure for syphilis. However, like cardinal flower, all parts of this plant are toxic if taken in large quantities. Great blue lobelia attracts birds, including hummingbirds, and native bees.
There is also a white form of Lobelia siphilitica called “Alba.” It’s common name is just “great lobelia.” This particular variety prefers the shade and does not do well in the extreme afternoon sun. It still prefers moist to wet soil conditions and grows to be about three feet in height. As with all lobelias, the flowers are tubular in shape and attract hummingbirds as well as butterflies. The flowers bloom from early- to mid-summer.
Planted together, these lobelias can create a stunning and patriotic display just in time for the July 4 holiday. If you have an area in your yard that stays wet or moist throughout the year, can provide shade to full-sun opportunities, and want forage resources for our pollinators, consider growing these wonderful native plants. They’ll be sure to bring you joy as well as native wildlife to your own backyard oasis.
Be well, and let’s garden together. ▼
Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.