NYS Grange Native Flower Bed

In 2018, the District converted the front flowerbed at our office (the Grange Building, Cortland) to primarily native New York plants.  Irises and tulips (non-native) and common milkweed (native; Asclepias syriaca) that were already in the bed were left there and the remainder of the area was planted to native flowering plants.

Species were selected especially for their value to wildlife (birds, pollinators, and butterflies).  In addition, sun-loving species that together will provide a variety of bloom colors throughout the growing season were chosen.

Some of the species in the garden include:

• Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa
• Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa
• Wild lupine Lupinus perennis
• Foxglove penstemon Penstemon digitalis
• Lanceleaf coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata
• Anise hyssop Agastache foeniculum
• Maximilian sunflower Helianthus maximiliani
• Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea
• New England aster Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
• Sundrops Oenothera pilosella
• Obedient plant Physostegia virginiana
• Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium
• Indian grass Sorghastrum nutans

Each species has a sign with a picture for easy identification.  Part of learning about the importance of native species is getting to know and recognize them.

Come visit and see these wonderful native New York plants!  Once you’re familiar with these plants, you might want to add them to your garden!