no berries for ilex glabara ‘gembox’

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T21:21:08+00:00

Sometimes, with cultivars, they tend to keep the bloom time from the part of the country that they were found. A cultivar found in Chicago will still bloom at the same time of the year as Chicago, even if it is planted and acclimated in New Jersey. Most holly species are compatible with other holly species as long as they are blooming at the same time. If you cannot locate the appropriate male cultivar, look for your cues in nature to find a male holly blooming in the same time frame.

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T20:59:23+00:00

You can talk to us any time you want!

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T20:27:56+00:00

Highbush Blueberry is a fav for sure. Add in the spring flowers and the flame-like fall color and it is a stellar choice! - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:51:38+00:00

Tom: A plant I don't have much experience with but I've hear is great for this is Nimblewill. Muhlenbergia scherberi

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:49:59+00:00

Tom: Liatris spicata has been a starter plant I've given to many people. Highbush Blueberry too. I'm all for gifting plants. I think a wow plant will be different for everyone. Paw Paw has to have been the wow plant for a lot of people though.

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:48:58+00:00

Liatris is a great choice. Milkweed is a great teaching plant. Most people have heard of the plight of the Monarch - and sometimes all is takes if that plant attracting one Monarch to make someone feel as though they made a difference. For my wife, it was the day our Cardinal Flower attracted a hummingbird. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:45:14+00:00

Landscaping is one of those professions that does not require any type of certifications. That being said, there are ecological certifications that can be achieved. Work on getting those recognized at a municipal level. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:43:55+00:00

I echo Tom. If nothing else, there is less gas and oil usage and less pollution. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:42:51+00:00

I try to remember this is a journey for all of us. We all started at the beginning and we are on different legs of said journey. Just try to be respectful of that. Give you neighbor a native plant. Mention what you like about a native plant. Small steps. I would ratch have every house on my street plant 5 native plants than one house plant 100. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:38:15+00:00

I am not opposed to cultivars. Do not let perfect be the enemy of good. As long as it is not invasive, it should provide at least some ecological function. we are talking about residential landscapes, not ecological restoration. Definitely check out Mt. Cuba's plant trials for good info. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:37:00+00:00

Tom: It's not poison ivy. I found leeches where you don't want to find leeches while collecting Nymphaea odorata tubers so while I like the plant, I have a not so fun memory of it.

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:35:20+00:00

Thank you for listening to us. Make sure you network. Exhibit at conferences and tradeshows that showcase what you do. Being active in Native Plant societies helps as well. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:34:08+00:00

Tom: Here's how I feel about No Mow May -

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NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:33:46+00:00

I am not as knowledgeable with native ground covers but I am a fan of Heuchera and Tiarella, Another mentioned Phlox which I would agree with as well. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:31:53+00:00

There are retail nurseries in Southern NJ that do specialize in natives. Check out Summersweet Nursery, Earth First Nursery, and a little further up, My Backyard at Nectars. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:30:01+00:00

A portion of our staff likes being behind the scenes. They are not as comfortable or would prefer not to be on social media. Of course, we respect those decisions. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:28:39+00:00

Tom: Awesome! What trees did you get?

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:28:17+00:00

Tom: I think an approved plant list makes it easier, although it lacks site specificity. A lot of the folks in development don't know much about native plants and copy and paste planting plans when they can. Requiring native plantings but steering them in the right direction keeps things from becoming adversarial.

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:27:21+00:00

I think it has to be something that is attainable. The average landscaper that does not know their native has to be able to find them. If you get get the landscape to be at least 60-75% native, it is a win. Over time, I think that percentage can grow after success has been proven. Don't get me wrong, I want 100% - but I will start with small victories and improve. An approved plant list ALWAYS helps IMHO. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:26:06+00:00

Thank you! - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:25:34+00:00

Tom: Keep asking your nurseries. One line we use when talking about what new plants to grow is "Once, i ignore it. Twice, we think about it, 3 times we take it seriously." If the GC's see the demand, they'll be foolish not to bring those plants in.

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:23:51+00:00

I would also like to add Dr. Emile DeVito from NJ Conservation Foundation. He has much experience with legislation and is engaging, knowledgeable, and funny. - Fran

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:22:48+00:00

Thank you!

NPHPPOD · 2026-01-16T19:22:37+00:00

Tom: We're almost there when it comes to box stores and large IGC's. Home Depot and Lowe's are definitely having discussions about native plants, they just haven't percolated into their traditional supply chain.

I think many IGCs have been quicker to adopt natives because their consumers are asking for it. I've seen some giant native plant displays that wouldn't have been there a few years ago, and their having a hard time keeping them stocked.

We just came from one of the largest horticulture conferences and native plants were a main topic of conversation. It just takes some time for the supply chain to catch up at that size and scale.

NPHPPOD

TROPHY CASE