Page 60 - School Garden Development Guide - 4th Edition

Native Plants

One of the keys to successful gardens is having the “right plant
in the right place.” When choosing plants, trees, shrubs, etc.
please note, Palm Beach County is in growing zones 10a and 10b
(depending upon where you are in the county).

Native plants are plants that are indigenous to a specific area
and have developed, occurred naturally, and existed in an area
without human influence for many years.

Exotic plants (also referred to as non-native plants) are plants that
did not originate in a particular area and have been brought to a
specific location from somewhere else.

Think of it this way, if you were born in the State of Florida, you are
a Native. If you were born elsewhere and now live here, you are a
Non-Native or Exotic. Both variations can live together and even
thrive in the same area, it is just that Natives requires less care.
Exotics can become invasive when introduced into new regions
and may require much more maintenance and attention. When
Exotics are not maintained properly they will do harm to Native
populations.

Because each school site is responsible for the maintenance and
upkeep of their school garden, we recommend that schools
choose Native plants. This decision will minimize the labor
necessary to maintain your garden.

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