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A: Gardening in the Adirondacks is more than a hobby — it’s an act of hope and a way of caring for the place we call home. Every plant we choose shapes the landscape around us, and selecting native species is one of the most powerful ways to protect the region’s forests, waterways, and wildlife. Native plants are uniquely adapted to the tough Adirondack climate. They thrive in local soils, withstand our dramatic seasons, and support the insects and birds that keep ecosystems healthy. When you plant native species like red osier dogwood, eastern red columbine, or New England aster, you’re helping to sustain the natural food webs that have evolved here for thousands of years.
In contrast, non-native ornamentals — sometimes even those sold in garden centers — can escape cultivation and spread aggressively. Once established, invasive species like Japanese knotweed or purple loosestrife crowd out native plants, reduce habitat and food sources for wildlife, and are incredibly difficult to remove. Preventing their introduction is far easier than trying to control them later.
By choosing native species for your garden beds, hedges, and landscaping projects, you’re making a meaningful contribution to the health of the Adirondacks. It’s a small decision with a big ripple effect: cleaner waterways, more resilient forests, and vibrant habitat right outside your door. This spring, consider adding a few native plants to your yard. Look for native plants at garden centers and nurseries and also check out local native plant sales like this one from ADK Action in Lake Placid. Your garden will flourish — and so will the Adirondacks!
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