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Philadelphia International Flower Show
Palekaiko Nalowale - Paradise Lost
Once again EPA has created an exhibit at the Philadelphia International Flower Show
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The Flower Show is held every Spring in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. This year EPA's Mid-Atlantic office has partnered with the EPA's Pesticide Office to create and staff the exhibit.
On this page:
On other pages:
Philadelphia International Flower Show 2012 - Audio Podcast- Discovering Paradise Lost in your Backyard - EPA Greenversations Blog
We hope visitors to the exhibit experience what it's like to set up a camp along a native woodland paradise and listen to the tranquil sounds of a cascading brook as it emerges from the forest to form a bog wetland. The water it carries is the basic building block of life. Visitors will be inspired by splashes of colors and textures of pitcher plants, blueberries, larch and a host of other species adorning the bog while dogwood, rhododendron, azalea and a plethora of other native woodland species form a buffer for the brook.
Native Plants
EPA's educational exhibit highlights the use of native plants to create a low-impact landscape and protect watersheds. Environmental benefits of using native plants extend to other areas that visitors may not have considered:
- discouraging insect pests
- conserving water resources
- protecting endangered plants
- attracting beneficial insects
- conserving water and improving water quality
- reducing the use of pesticides
Using native plants in your garden may also save time and money otherwise spent on fertilizer, water and pesticides to grow non-native plants.
Examples of native plants in the exhibit that attract beneficial insects include:
- Blueberry - attracts bumblebee pollinators
- Hackberry - host plant for the Hackberry butterfly, Eastern Comma, Mourning Cloak and Tawny Emperor
- Spicebush - host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail and Promethean Moth
- New Jersey Tea - host plant for the Spring Azure butterfly
Integrated Pest Management
The use of native plants is part of a set of practices called integrated pest management, which is a common-sense way of managing pests through biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools that minimize risks to people and the environment.
In other words, start with prevention; if a pest or weed problem develops, use an integrated approach to solve the problem.
Biological tools
Not all insects, plants and other living things require control; many are harmless and some are beneficial. Monitoring and identification are important. Some insects are natural enemies of harmful ones. Examples include ladybug beetle, praying mantis and lacewing. Flowers and herbs can be used to attract beneficial insects. (More information on this topic: Landscaping, Pest Management, Wildlife Habitat)
Cultural tools
Because native plants are more resistant to pests, adapted to your climate, soil and moisture conditions they are considered a cultural tool. They are the "right plant at the right place." Plants adapted to local conditions thrive with the least care. Using them also promotes and protects native habitats. Avoid planting invasive species—check with your local Cooperative Extension Office for a list of invasives. (More information on this topic: Invasive Plants in the mid-Atlantic, Landscaping, Soil Conservation District Offices )
Physical tools
Floating row covers can be used to prevent harmful insects from damaging vegetables and fruits. Compost mulch can be used to prevent undesired plants from growing. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation when needed. (More information on this topic: Composting, Gardening )
Chemical tools
Pesticides with the lowest impact should be used as a last resort. Avoid overuse of pesticides. When you have a small problem area, treat just that area, not the entire yard since rainfall or snowmelt runoff from your garden and pavement may end up in rivers and streams. Keep pesticides and fertilizers away from sidewalks, streets and driveways to keep run-off from polluting streams and other water bodies. Rain barrels and rain gardens can be used to reduce run-off.
Pesticides and other chemicals can poison plants and animals if they are not used correctly. Read and follow label directions. If your pesticide label directs you to use the Endangered Species Protection Bulletins, you are required to follow the pesticide use limitations for your county.
(More information on this topic: Pest Management, Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens, Stormwater )
Personal Use of Pesticides
Adopt a variety of safe strategies while you are outdoors to protect yourself against diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Minimize uncovered skin. Once you've done that, use the right insect repellent on your exposed skin and clothing to discourage ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects from landing on you. Create a mosquito and tick-safe zone through landscaping. Remove tick and mosquito habitats. When returning indoors, check the entire body for ticks; promptly remove attached ticks without squeezing them. (More information on this topic: Landscaping, Pest Management )