Islanders In Awe of Native Plants’ Resilience

Oneof the greatest lessons from Hurricane Ian comes from local gardeners who are delighted by the unexpected renewal of life.

Mary Everhart was encouraged to contact SCCF and join Weeds ‘n’ Seeds to learn about native plants after buying a small home on a corner lot covered with foliage seven years ago. Her friends, who were active in Weeds ‘n’ Seeds, determined her lot was full of invasives.

“Their suggestion was the best advice I received and was also the start of a wonderful journey,” said Everhart. “Thanks to the guidance of the staff at SCCF, my yard has evolved into a wonderful sanctuary, providing me with many hours of pure joy.”

Her list of favorite hurricane survivors includes: the flowering Jamaica Caper (Quadrella jamaicensis); the red-berried groundcover quailberry (Crossopetalum ilicifolium); the iconic booted cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) for providing texture to the landscape and wildlife habitat; and lignum vitae (Guaiacum sanctum) trees.

“To my surprise, many natives survived and some seem to have thrived from Ian’s onslaught,” she said.

Two others she adores: the hard-to-find and maintenance-free maidenbush (Heterosavia bahamensis) and pearlberry (Vallesia antillana). With “tiny white flowers and berries that shimmer like pearls—what’s not to love about this bush?” Everhart asks.

Ruth Brooks, an islander since 2004, gets a real sense of satisfaction knowing she’s doing her part to encourage resilience by planting native plants.

“Without native plants we wouldn’t have the beauty and diversity of wildlife that attracts us all to this beautiful place,” she said.

One of her favorite plants is sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa), a deeply-rooted, flowering groundcover that’s a good alternative to grass. It survived Hurricane Ian after being bulldozed and trampled by heavy trucks. It produces “cheerful, pink pom-pom blooms, on and off for over half the year, attracting pollinators and providing a host for butterfly larvae.”

Her list of admired hardy natives includes: Dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis) for its year-round golden blooms and dark green foliage and the threatened Simpson’s stopper or twinberry (Myrcianthes fragrans), an evergreen emanating “year-round fragrance and beauty.” After pollinators and bees make use of its flowers, she said, “the bright twin berries and foliage provide food and shelter for many species of birds.”

“I feel lucky enough to live in this unique, fragile ecosystem that is Sanibel, and I want to do my part to restore as many native plants as I can, providing habitat for wildlife and supporting our “Sanctuary Island.” It helps that I know that I’m doing what I can to address our clean water issues at the same time,” said Ruth Brooks.

Weeds ‘n’ Seeds: Three Decades of Botanical Enthusiasm

For more than three decades, the volunteer-led group Weeds ‘n’ Seeds has explored the ecosystems of the islands and surrounding mainland, botanizing and teaching with each step. The group began under the leadership of conservationists, volunteer trail guides, and Sanibel Vegetation Committee members and welcomes all new and longtime residents, retired botany professors, and plant enthusiasts. Weeds ‘n’ Seeds’ goal of inspiring islanders and teaching about the botanical world has become an island tradition.