Buy Native! Plant Native!

By Mary Heasley, New Smyrna Beach Garden Club’s Butterfly Gardening Certification Committee Chairperson.

On Saturday, October 18th I visited Asclepias Acres in Edgewater. The 5 acre all-native plant nursery is owned by Damien Rockwood.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning and there were butterflies and bees everywhere. As we toured the property, we lost count of the number of different butterflies we observed. There were Sulphurs, Phaon Crescents, Gulf Fritillaries, Swallowtails, and White Peacocks.

The goal for my visit was to purchase a Coral Honeysuckle vine, as well as a few native milkweed plants. Well, I partially met my goal. I purchased (2) milkweed plants, but no Coral Honeysuckle. After seeing a variety of Morning Glory Vines growing along the fence-line in a demonstration garden, I decided to purchase a Morning Glory Vine instead. I felt it would be a better option for the trellis it was going on.

After a great morning visit, I left the nursery inspired to plant native and in a car full of beautiful plants - Morning Glory Vine, Native

Milkweed, Calamint, Partridge Pea, Senna, Skull

Cap and Fire Bush.

October is Florida Native Plant Month. It is a great time to plant. So, if you are planning to upgrade your garden I encourage you to think native and plant native. Damien Rockwood - Asclepias Acres can help you select the best native plants for your garden. Enjoy and Happy Gardening.