July 2022 Gardening with "Weedy" Native Plants

 

Collier County Parks & Recreation

Volunteer Newsletter July 2022

 

Gardening with “Weedy” Native Plants

By Andee Naccarato, Interim President of Naples Native Plants

 

Bidens Alba

Devoted gardeners become intimately familiar with the plants under their care. They walk through their gardens almost daily, observing how the plants grow and change. They watch the plants as they unfurl new leaves, develop flower buds, and bloom in beautiful colors. These repeated meanderings through gardens help gardeners often instantly recognize when a new (and possibly unknown) seedling appears.

Unknown plants popping up in gardens are usually classified as “weeds” and quickly pulled out. However, some of these unknown plants introducing themselves to garden spaces happen to be native to Florida. These native plant species have existed in Florida since before European colonization and provide important resources to our native wildlife.

Why would a native plant be confused with a weed? Florida is a land of dramatic natural disturbances (like hurricanes and lightning-induced fires). Some native plants act as “pioneers” by being the first to germinate and inhabit disturbed areas. Even relatively small disturbances, like turning over the soil in our gardens or digging out an old shrub, invite those native pioneer species to appear.

Bidens Alba Seeds

One example of a pioneer or “weedy” native is the wildflower known as beggarticks (Bidens alba), often called Spanish needles in southwest Florida. (Note: Although called “Spanish” needles, this wildflower is a Florida native.) This daisy-like flower is a member of  the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The common name refers to the needle-like seeds the plant produces to start its next generation. Many gardeners are not too fond of Spanish needles because of its tendency   to spread widely and how easily the pointy seeds stick to gloves, shirt sleeves, and shoelaces.

Is there any reason to keep Spanish needles on your property? Yes! This native wildflower is one of the most popular nectar plants for pollinators, including butterflies and bees. For butterflies, at least 27 species have been observed drinking nectar from Spanish needles in southwest Florida.

Furthermore, Spanish needles is the host plant for a small yellow butterfly known as the dainty sulphur. While the dainty sulphur could visit a variety of flowers to sip nectar, females specifically seek out Spanish needles when they are ready to lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars eat the leaves of Spanish needles before transforming into butterflies.

Is it possible to provide Spanish needles for pollinators and keep a tidy garden? Yes, it is possible with frequent attention to the Spanish needles. Designate a certain spot in your garden (or a less visible corner of your backyard) where Spanish needles can persist. As a fast-grower, this wildflower responds well to pruning (or even mowing). Remove spent flower heads before the needle-like seeds appear to prevent Spanish needles from spreading. This wildflower blooms year-round, so be sure to observe your Spanish needles at least weekly for the appearance of seeds.

Although Spanish needles (and other “weedy” natives) may not meet every gardener’s expectations for a lovely garden specimen, more and more gardeners are embracing their roles as environmental stewards. Gardeners who include native plants, even the pioneer species, in their gardens are providing food and resources to pollinators and other native wildlife. Thankfully, with the right approach, the actions of every gardener can help restore the natural environment in our communities.

 

March 2022 - Gardening for Insects & Ourselves

 

Collier County Parks & Recreation

Volunteer Newsletter – March 2022

Thinking Ahead: Gardening for Insects and Ourselves

By: Andee Naccarato, CCPR Volunteer & Interim President of Naples Native Plants

 

             White Peacocks, Dainty Sulphurs, and Zebra Longwings – these are just three of the 30+ kinds of butterflies that have been recorded in Collier County’s Parks during recent butterfly counts. Why is this information good to know? Seeing butterflies (and other native insects) in a multi-use outdoor space means that people are taking good care of the land so all beings can thrive.

The abundance or diversity of native insects, like a variety of butterflies, can be an indicator of environmental health. In other words, environments supporting lots of insects tend to be in better shape than environments where few insects are seen. Think about your own front yard or community garden: how often do you see butterflies or other insects there? When we add butterfly gardens or other native landscaping to our yards or parks, we can help improve the natural quality of the surrounding environment, for insects and ourselves.

Would you like to create or modify your own garden to attract more beneficial insects, like pollinators? Three excellent examples of butterfly gardens can be viewed at Conner Park, North Collier Regional Park, and Sugden Regional Park. In these volunteer-maintained gardens, the variety of butterfly plants are well-labeled so you can learn more about those plants that catch your eye. For an extra special garden event, save the date for Earth Day 2022!

Save the date: Join us for Earth Day in the Garden on Saturday, April 23rd at Conner Park, North Collier Regional Park, and Sugden Regional Park. Bring the family to the butterfly gardens to learn about pollinators and the plants that sustain them. A representative from Naples Native Plants, our local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, will be there to chat with you about the relationships between native plants and pollinators.

Fall Butterfly Counts 2021

 

Collier County Parks & Recreation

Volunteer Newsletter – January 2022

 

Results of Fall Butterfly Counts in Three Collier County Parks

By: Andee Naccarato, CCPR Volunteer & Interim President of Naples Native Plants

 

Butterfly counts for the fall season were conducted in Collier County’s Parks last November. In total, 21 participants counted 180 butterflies representing at least 18 species! The butterfly counts were conducted at three Collier County Parks, including Conner Park (42 butterflies, 9 species), Sugden Regional Park (59 butterflies, 13 species), and North Collier Regional Park (67 butterflies, 12 species).

For approximately three hours, participants counted butterflies present in the Parks’ butterfly gardens and walked predetermined routes through additional Park areas, including forested areas, pond edges, and open lawn spaces. Volunteers recorded if certain types of butterflies were observed in the butterfly gardens or in other natural park areas.

Interestingly, every Park added at least one new butterfly species that was not observed during the summer count last June. At Conner Park, which is bordered by coastal estuary habitat including mangroves, participants observed both the Mangrove Buckeye and the Mangrove Skipper. Butterfly counters at Sugden Regional Park noticed Common Buckeyes between the nature trail and Lake Avalon. Dorantes Longtail Skippers were recorded for the first time at both Sugden and North Collier Regional Parks.

Although overall butterfly abundance and species diversity was lower compared to the summer counts, this trend was expected based on seasonal changes in weather. In general, fewer butterflies are observed during the cooler, dry season. As “cold-blooded” insects, butterflies require warm ambient temperatures to maintain active flight. This means few butterflies are seen on cool days. Additionally, a lack of rainfall tends to reduce new growth on butterfly host plants. With fewer egg-laying sites, food for caterpillars, and flowers in bloom, the butterfly’s life cycle may slow down or pause in earlier life stages (egg, caterpillar, or chrysalis) and reduce chances of seeing adult butterflies.

These butterfly counts were made possible by dedicated Garden Program Volunteers along with additional participants representing Calusa Garden Club, Collier County Master Gardeners, Collier County Parks & Recreation, Cypress Cove Landkeepers, and the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

Thank you to Debi Siciliano (Volunteer Coordinator) and the following individuals for your optimistic efforts in completing these counts, despite less than perfect weather conditions: Dena & Scott Berglund, Dante Cirilli, Christy Duff, Lisa Forman, Cherie Glen, Melissa Hennig, Daphne Jameson, Susan LaGrotta, Leslie Landert, Twyla Leigh, Bonnie Lervik, Maureen McFarland, Tara McGraw, Andee Naccarato, Connie Nagele, Debbie Polen, Jane Smith, and Sally & Kirby Stein.

Data gathered from this citizen science project is being shared with butterfly conservation organizations, such as eButterfly and the North American Butterfly Association. Comparisons of butterfly abundance and diversity in fall, spring, and summer will be a unique addition to knowledge of butterfly natural history in southwest Florida. More butterfly counts are being planned for Spring 2022. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Connie Nagele (Lead Volunteer) at CNageleart@gmail.com.