Locally grown (Essex County, Gulf of Maine Coastal lowland Zone 59f, planting zone 6A) native plants
We started the work of replanting natives in our old horse field in 2021. We laid down mulches and planted some plugs into it. This planting is a two year old planting of little blue stem, white yarrow, and scuttilaria. Beautiful June, July and into August.
We have deer that come through (and sometimes stay awhile) as our property connects along greenways. I have focused on adding back natives that are deer resistant to increase the plants chances of survival. This is a picture of a black swallowtail visiting a stand of Monarda fistula (wild bergamot) in late July 2023. This pollinator magnet hosts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Sambucus canadensis /black elderberry grows wild here but buyer beware-the berries don't last long as the birds enjoy them! This plant is a beautiful bright green and shines across the yard when it is flowering. I saw a classic ant, aphid, and native ladybug group on it in early summer. We focus on straight species to support genetic diversity and ecological integrity.