I'm curious about what influences your decisions when it comes to gardening! Do you select plants for their colors, scents, or do you grow for practical purposes like food? Are you leaning towards native plants or are non-natives part of your garden mix? For me, I primarily choose natives, plus I'm focused on growing things that attract insects and support my food needs. I've got some arid-adapted crops like lemon cucumber and tepary beans, as well as a few fruit trees like orange and pomegranate. How about you?
5 Answers
Gardening is just a part of my life! I focus on creating a habitat for various insects and animals without being too controlling about it. I grow plenty of native plants and a mix of both native and introduced pollinator-friendly plants. Despite the extreme weather I deal with—six months of winter and harsh summers—it's a constant challenge that I love, and there’s always something new to experiment with!
I initially grew flowers just for their beauty, especially to have fresh-cut arrangements at home. Over time, I've realized how much I enjoy sharing them with others too! Recently, I've shifted to focusing on native plants and getting rid of non-natives, even took down a huge butterfly bush because it didn’t fit well in my garden anymore. I'm really excited about my mission to create a more native-friendly space now!
I mainly use my backyard to grow food while keeping the front yard looking pretty. The backyard has a more wild feeling, but I've made sure to use mostly native species there, with just a bit of turfgrass and some Chinese privet at the front.
Gardening is my safe haven. It keeps me grounded while I maintain my little patch of earth. The front yard is full of colorful blooms that attract pollinators from late February until November! Meanwhile, my backyard has become a whimsical fairy garden where I’m battling invasive plants while trying to create shade and blooms galore.
My approach blends aesthetics with functionality. I favor shrubs and trees for privacy and also try to attract beneficial insects and birds by using native plants, along with a couple of non-invasive non-natives. I’ve given up on veggies though — rabbits and deer have other plans for those!