Delaware’s native species of flowers and their importance to our environment

DELAWARE – National Water a Flower Day is a day that recognizes the importance of caring for our garden plants.

Delaware is home to many beautiful native plants that survive without intervention and do very well in landscapes and gardens as well. Plants that are indigenous to the region will be easier for you to grow and they also come with many great benefits to the local ecosystem.

According to the Fragrant Garden, Flowers constitute the official reproductive parts of a plant. Like other organisms, flowers reproduce either sexually or asexually. Experts say that flowers appeared some 140 million years ago. Before that, trees bearing cones and ferns dominated the earth.

The oldest flower in the world was christened “the Mother of All Flowers,” and is believed to have first bloomed in China. Scientists have uncovered about 270,000 different flower species, but out of the 270,000 flower species out there, rose species account for about 35,000.

Derby Mill Farm is located in the heart of Kent County, Delaware. They use sustainable and agriculturally regenerative methods, with the intent of improving our soil fertility. Cover crops, compost, biodynamic preparations, and organic material inputs are helping us build tilth, little by little.

Natives and perennials are also growing in number as they aid in our efforts to create a healthy ecosystem on our farm. Derby Mill Farm strives to be a part of the climate answer, however small our contribution may be. Butterfly milkweed, Cardinal flower, and “beebalm” are just a few native species.

Overall, flowers are an important part of our society, and if you see a flower today, make sure to give it a drink!