In April, Rosedale embarked on a the task of cleaning up the banks of land from the sidewalks up to the fences on Newark Street which are a tangle of invasive ivy, vinka, and other weeds. With the help of neighbor Shari Wilson (Nuts for Natives), we partnered with Thomas Schneider and Joni Miller of Native Roots Landscaping to remove the overgrowth and replant the section with native plants. Why native? Because gardening with natives is better for our watershed, our woodlands, and our wildlife, especially birds. These plants will attract greater numbers and varieties of butterflies and birds bringing new life to Rosedale.
Below are the native plants that were chosen for this location and a brief recap of some of the benefits each plant offers.
Golden ragwort is a source of nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators in spring. Twenty species of butterflies, including skippers, use the blooms of this perennial.
This sedge can host 36 species of caterpillars and provides habitat for wildlife in urban environments
Colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to partake of their sweet nectar.
A native perennial grass with longevity, and a host to some butterfly and moth larvae.
This plant attracts birds, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Black-eyed Susans provide nectar for pollinators. It is a host plant to Wavy-lined Emerald and Silvery Checkerspot butterflies. Songbirds, especially American goldfinches, eat the seeds in the fall.
This is a larval host plant for Northern Pearly-Eye caterpillars. The stems and leaves are used as nesting material by birds.
Indian Grass provides excellent cover year round for birds and mammals, seeds are eaten by songbirds.
Asters attract loads of late season pollinating insects. In winter, they provide food for many birds on the seeds and find shelter in the dried stalks. Asters are a host plant for 12 species of moths and butterflies.