Go Native in Your Backyard!

Be a star in the garden this spring with American Beauties native plants and the wildlife will thank you for providing food and shelter. Plus you’ll be making a contribution to the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat program. But don’t get these natives confused with roadside “wild” flowers. These shrubs, trees, vines, grasses and perennials were hand-picked for their beauty, and their minimal need for fertilizer, water and pest control. The newest is “Iron Butterfly” Vernonia lettermannii (right), from Dr. Alan Armitage, a brilliant purple iron weed.