“Habitatscaping™”
One word says it all!
Since our very first conversation back in the summer of 2022, we have had front of mind - helping folks in our community learn about the importance of gardening with native plants and providing resources and inspiration to help make that possible.
We’ve reached the community in a variety of ways.
Hundreds have been inspired at the free movie nights we’ve co-hosted with Conserving Carolina and The Congregational Church (UCC) Tryon.
Hundreds have shopped at our spring and fall native plant sales.
Via Pints for Pollinators, folks have had a chance to connect and learn while enjoying an evening out.
We’ve given away nearly 2,000 packages of region-specific pollinator-friendly seeds.
500 White Oak trees have been planted across the region from the free giveaway.
And over 1,000 people have attended our Gardening For Life Celebrations.
… and that’s not all!
A common theme in the questions and feedback we have received goes something like this: It feels a bit overwhelming. I know it’s important to begin gardening this way but how do I know what plants to put in? Where can I even find them? What else do I need to consider to support wildlife?
All great questions and we’ve been exploring (through all of the outreach and activities) the best ways to answer them.
Our journey of discovery has led us to the clear conclusion that together we need to shift from the notion of “native plant gardening” to planning and planting with the entire ecosystem function in mind. In our way of thinking, the perfect (new) word to describe this is Habitatscaping™!
We are not sure where this all leads but we have decided where it begins.
At our Habitatscaping homepage you can find helpful information to get you started. We discuss the elements critical to creating a thriving habitatscape, distinguish between native plants and cultivated species, provide links to area growers, and best of all, we highlight our favorite native plants that are well-suited for the Carolina Foothills and our extended region.
Whether you are managing vast acreage or have a few planters on a balcony, you can apply the principles of habitatscaping to your corner of the world, for your personal enjoyment and for all of the life you will be supporting.
