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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing Article Summaries |
Go Native!!
By Julia Schnee Vroom! There my mom and I went on our trip to Longfellow's Greenhouse to pick out our new native Maine plants. That very day we ripped up an evil bush called the Japanese Barberry Bush. (It was in our flowerbed before we bought our home.) This vile plant was spreading like wildfire and growing like mad. It was pretty but had threatening spines covering its exterior. It was taking over our flowerbed and other parts of our lawn We decided on two High Bush Blueberry bushes, which we named Josie and Wally after my great grandma and grandpa. We also purchased a native plum tree which we named Bill after my great grandfather. Two days later we planted them in the ground. These plants not only produce scrumptious fruit but, they are also native and are keeping Maine beautiful. Later in the year we bought several other native plants that were beautiful and feed the native wildlife around them. Plus, these plants are not so touchy. They are tough, just like Mainers. Because they are native to Maine, they are more resistant to pests and the weather than those store bought frou-frou, non-native plants. Although they are beautiful, invasive species are a threat to native plants and Maine forests. They hog up the growing space and push out our native plants, reducing food and habitat for our wildlife. Some of the invasive species can be harmful to you, too. Like the sap of the giant hogwood, which sensitizes the skin to sunlight causing blisters, swelling, and eruptions. These "invasives" also out-compete agricultural crops causing major financial and physical damage. They grow rapidly, multiply, and spread to unmanageable levels in a short period of time. Some things you can do to save native species and the landscape around you are to purchase local plants. Additionally, you could just take a hike out in the woods with the permission of the landowner, and under the supervision of a local plant specialist, transplant some desired native species into your yard. You could also spread the word about what is happening, or you can encourage your friends and family to find ways to go native. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has all sorts of pamphlets that will help you identify invasive species. 
Some wonderful native plants to consider planting are: shrubs (Downy Service Berry, Bog Rosemary), trees (Pin Cherry, Blue Beech), perennials (Milkwood, Bloodroot), perennial ferns (Cinnamon Fern, Christmas Fern), and vines and ground covers (Bearberry, Partridge Berry), all of which are native to Maine plants. Maine forests are beautiful and need to stay natural. Please, for the animals. Please, for all of Maine. Remove your attractive unnatural, nonnative plants for the good of all. Plant native species and help your community. Plant a native seed and change our world. Julia Schnee is a member of Green Fusion, a group of 25 active environmentalists in grades 3-5 at Belgrade Central School. | ||