Native Plant & Pollinator Demonstration Gardens of the NRV
Pollinator gardens are where insects such as bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies and moths move pollen grains from one flower to another producing pollination which results in seeds which produce new plants. Native plants are those plants which have evolved over time in specific areas and with specific pollinators or wildlife which feed on them.
According to Dr. Doug Tallamy, pollinator gardens should have at least 70% native plants in order for native insects to survive and pollinate both flowers and vegetables. Many of our agricultural crops need native insects to pollinate them. Other native plants including shrubs, vines and trees should be planted too so birds and other wildlife will eat the berries and seeds. One pair of chickadees needs to feed one brood of babies 5,000 caterpillars which is less to eat your plants.
VNPS Released a Statement on Cultivars on March 17th, 2021:
The Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS) encourages communities and individuals to incorporate native plants into managed landscapes and, when doing so, to maximize the use of wild-type plants. Such an approach provides the most reliable way to support the flora and fauna with which these plant species have coevolved over millennia, to maintain genetic diversity and to minimize the risks inherent in introducing plants to an ecosystem. This is particularly important in ecological restoration projects, mass plantings in parks and on private grounds and in any landscaping in proximity to natural areas. (READ MORE HERE)
Find A Local Demonstration Garden:
Click on one of the garden names below the map to see the address of the garden on the map. Clicking on "Learn More" will then take you to a dedicated page that includes more details and images of that garden.