Dr. Doug Tallamy, during a recent presentation in Wilmington, advocated that all of us can contribute to biodiversity by simply starting to add native trees, shrubs and perennials to our own gardens. He calls this the Homegrown National Park. Overtime, adding natives will encourage the native wildlife to come back to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
With this in mind, The Cape Fear Garden Club Centennial Native Tree Planting Initiative has begun. It is a voluntary project, the purpose of which is to plant your selection of a native tree, or even several trees, in your own garden, HOAs, family or friends garden, etc. You may obtain your native tree(s) at any local nursery of your choice or sign-up on the clipboards that are available at the General Meetings. Contact Marcia Doering if you are interested in ordering oaks from Penderlea Farms or would like seedlings, 6-12 inches in size, of dogwoods or fringe trees. There is no charge for seedlings but we need a quantity of 50 or more of one species before the order can be placed. Planting seedlings is a wonderful activity to involve grandchildren.
As announced in the October 2024 Clippings under Horticulture, planting continues from now until Arbor Day, April 25, 2025. A list of native trees is provided here for your reference.
Native Trees and Plants
When you have planted your tree, please email Marcia Doering who is maintaining a running list of tree species as well as members names. This information will be published in the 2025-2026 Yearbook as The Centennial Native Tree Planting Initiative. Our goal is 100 trees, but we would love even more!
Scatter trees around Wilmington and beyond, and Nurture them!
Click here to read more about The Home Grown National Park.