The native plant debate is the most controversial in the gardening world. There are some that believe very strongly that we should have only true native plants in our landscape, then there are some folks that are more tolerant. The most common definition of "naive" is a plant that grew in the area in pre-Columbian times. One reason for the controversy is that sometimes, no one is sure if a certain plant is actually "native" or not. Papayas were considered non-native in Florida until recent excavations discovered papaya seeds in a native pre-Columbian site. If we must be judgemental of a plant, it should be bases on its merit, not on its heritage. There are non-native, sometimes referred to as "exotic," plants that are environmentally friendly and some natives that are areal pain. As long as a plant is environmentally friendly, I welcome the diversity it provides.
The native plant debate is the most controversial in the gardening world. There are some that believe very strongly that we should have only true native plants in our landscape, then there are some folks that are more tolerant. The most common definition of "naive" is a plant that grew in the area in pre-Columbian times. One reason for the controversy is that sometimes, no one is sure if a certain plant is actually "native" or not. Papayas were considered non-native in Florida until recent excavations discovered papaya seeds in a native pre-Columbian site. If we must be judgemental of a plant, it should be bases on its merit, not on its heritage. There are non-native, sometimes referred to as "exotic," plants that are environmentally friendly and some natives that are areal pain. As long as a plant is environmentally friendly, I welcome the diversity it provides.