Gardening

By Ginger Hogan
Special to the Coastal Point

	Special to the Coastal Point • ANDY LYONS Natural foliage in James Farm.

With the dramatic development that has marked the last two decades have come some major strains on our Inland Bays and waterways. Fish kills, algae blooms and rampant sea lettuce have become all too common. It is obvious that our land-use practices have had a negative impact on the waters.

Fortunately, the Center for the Inland Bays, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of our unique environment, has been working for a decade to reverse these trends. In addition to their many research and education programs, they are actively involved in several restoration projects, including the re-introduction of native aquatic plants and American oysters to our waters.

One of their most visible restoration projects has been at the James Farm Ecological Preserve in Cedar Neck. Consisting of 150 acres of former farmland and woods, the Preserve now features upland forest, meadows, non-tidal wetlands, salt marsh, and sandy shoreline. It is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset and offers opportunities for hikers, birders, beachcombers or those who simply want to enjoy some solitude.

The property was donated to Sussex County in 1994 by the late Mary Lighthipe in memory of her son Harold, who was killed in a car accident. Under the stewardship of the Center for the Inland Bays, the site has literally blossomed. Over 8000 native trees have been planted to recreate the original upland forest. Farm fields have been planted with native grasses and wildflowers to create meadows providing habitat diversity for plants and animals. Three observation platforms have been installed so visitors can appreciate the unique beauty of the site. A boardwalk beach crossing allows visitors access to the beach without destroying shoreline vegetation. Wildflower gardens have been created to demonstrate to visitors the subtle beauty of our native flora.

The site is also used in a teaching partnership with the Indian River School District. Students from the district’s middle schools have an opportunity to learn first hand about our native plants, animals and aquatic life.

You may be wondering by now what all this has to do with gardening. Well, the Center is going to be holding its first annual native plant sale on Saturday, May 14th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event, “Gardening for the Bays” will feature scores of native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers available to the public. The event will be held rain or shine.

“With so many new residents to the area and new gardens to be landscaped, this is a real opportunity to help gardeners learn how they can landscape in a bay-friendly way,” said Ed Lewandowski, Executive Director. “This is a win-win ... for gardeners and the watershed. Native plants help to preserve and restore the natural ecosystems. Properly placed, they require less water, less fertilizer and fewer pesticides and, therefore, will contribute to the health of our Inland Bays.”

With so many part-time residents of the Inland Bays watershed, native plants that are adapted to our soils and climate also offer the advantage of requiring less care.

The event will also feature native plant walks on the trails of the James Farm guided by Master Gardeners, who will be available to answer questions. They will also be distributing information on “Plants for a Livable Delaware” and selling soil testing kits for home gardeners. The Delaware Nature Society will be on hand to educate gardeners about creating “Backyard Habitats.” Gardeners will have the opportunity to register their gardens as recognized habitats. Also, the Delaware Invasive Species Council will be there to help gardeners learn about the effects of non-native invasive species on our delicate watershed ecosystem and alternative plants that are more bay-friendly. And the staff from the Center will be selling food and drinks to help raise money for their “A Building for Our Bays” campaign to build a new headquarters and visitor’s center at Indian River Inlet.

This event will be a great opportunity for environmentally-conscious gardeners to learn more about native plants and this great organization at the same time. Please mark it on your calendar.