Michigan’s native plants are essential in preserving the state’s ecosystem

More

[cincopa AoFAXPbTmB7D]

On a block in Detroit’s East English Village, Cheryl English’s front yard sticks out like a green thumb. Her front yard and her back yard  are gardening masterpieces, and many of the plants she grows are native to Michigan. She chose them not only because of their beauty, but because native plants are a crucial part of Michigan ecosystems and have many environmental benefits. Current State’s Emanuele Berry joined English in her garden, where she explained why people don’t always appreciate native plants.

Current State logo

Michigan’s native plants are essential in preserving the state’s ecosystem by EmanueleB

3 thoughts on “Michigan’s native plants are essential in preserving the state’s ecosystem

  1. I just have to wonder how long it will be until the City of Detroit issues her a ticket for her tall “weeds”. I hear they need some money.

  2. Thank you Cheryl for all you are doing. We have similar neighbors Kathleen, but I am heartened that so many people are planting natives. I teach Jr. Master Gardener classes to 3rd and 4th graders and they love the class on native plants and pollinators. I also planted a native plant bee/butterfly teaching garden at one school last year.

  3. Proof that even a small, urban yard can be an oasis for native plants, birds, pollinators, and small mammals. I wish more people cared about native plants and understood the immense value of native landscapes. Kudos to Cheryl for creating a property that serves as a demonstration and educational opportunity. I listened to the audio and must say she’s a great ambassador.

    Our neighbors here in the semi-arid, rural Northern Rockies maintain a turf lawn and ornamental cultivars. When they aren’t watering, they’re mowing. When they aren’t mowing, they’re watering. Sometimes, they mow one side while they water the other side. It’s a fossil fuel double whammy–gas for the mower, a coal-fired power plant creating electricity to pump the water. By contrast, our native landscape requires neither and supports an incredible array of birds, mammals, reptiles, and pollinators.

    Thank you, Cheryl! One note: we easily span well over 100 degrees F. in a 12 month period!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *