Institute for Applied Ecology Survey Reveals Native Plant Gardening Trends and Climate Change Concerns
A recent 'Gardening for Nature Survey,' conducted by the Institute for Applied Ecology in collaboration with Design Native Northwest, has shed light on the experiences and motivations of native plant gardeners across the U.S. The survey, which garnered over 1,200 responses, explored various aspects of native plant gardening, from preparation methods to observations on climate change. Tom Kaye, founder and chief scientist of the Institute for Applied Ecology, highlighted key findings, including the preference for sheet mulching (cardboard covered with mulch) as the most effective method for converting lawns to native plant habitats. A significant discovery was the deep emotional investment gardeners have in these projects, which contributes to their long-term engagement. The survey also found that most gardeners observed an increase in pollinators and wildlife within a year of establishing their native gardens, often in urban and suburban settings. Furthermore, 87% of respondents expressed concern that clim...
