I'm diving into native foods and plants that thrive in North America, and I'm especially interested in starting a garden with vegetables that are native to my region (Zone 6b). It's incredibly hot—97°F right now—and I want to know which plants could handle this heat. I was looking into tepary beans and wondering if they would do well here.
Also, what's the deal with plants that were common here 200 years ago being considered rare now? That's a real bummer!
Lastly, I'd love to hear flower suggestions. I currently have a very traditional lawn that's perfectly manicured, but I'd prefer a more natural look since I'm not a fan of mowing. My husband says getting goats isn't an option, so I'm looking for low-maintenance ideas!
2 Answers
Although I'm in Zone 7b, I've recently come across True Love Seeds which has a fantastic line of native plants from the Philadelphia area that were used by the Lenape tribe and Pennsylvania Dutch. They have a bunch of interesting seeds, including those from the African Diaspora along with East Asian and Italian options, if you're curious! For more historical context, there's this cool project based on botanist William Barton's work from 1818 that's worth checking out. It lists all the plants that were native back then, and you can cross-reference with your local native seed suppliers.
You might want to look for a local nursery that specializes in native plants, as they can provide tailored advice for your area. Some vegetables could potentially be planted—think about the staples like potatoes and tomatoes since they originated in the New World, but their adaptability depends on your specific locale. For your flower garden, consider the sun exposure and pick flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year to keep things lively. Pollinator-friendly options could make your space even more appealing. Overall, having more of a few species tends to create a better visual than a scattering of many types!
Thanks for the tips! Though I’m struggling to find a nursery like that around here—maybe I should just start one!