Garden Gnome Plantscapes

We are guided by the following categories when choosing plants:

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1. Native

Is the plant native to Louisiana or the Gulf Coastal Plain?

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Native plants are evolved and adapted to survive and thrive here, and often have extensive interactions with the local ecosystem.

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2. Beneficial

If the plant is not native, does it still have beneficial interactions with the local ecosystem?

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This criterion allows for plants like hybrid salvias (flowering sage) that are not native, but also are a favorite food source for many local insects and birds. It also excludes invasive exotics.

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3. Traditional

If the plant does not have notable ecosystem interactions, has it been used historically in New Orleans gardens?

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New Orleans is a city with extensive garden heritage and part of the stewardship of our gardens is to continue those traditions. This criterion allows for favorites like azaleas, camellias, gardenias, and roses that have been planted for hundreds of years.

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4. Edible

If the plant is not traditional or particularly beneficial to the ecosystem, does it provide food for humans?

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It's nice to have a little snack in your yard now and then. More importantly however, food insecurity is an increasing issue in global society as well as our local community. Plants like fruit trees and berry bushes provide clean, fresh, local nutrition for years to come with little to no input.

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Alternatives

If a plant does not satisfy any of these four criteria, we can usually recommend similar alternative plants that will.