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Jail House Beauties
Written By: Debby Hall | Issue: August 2024
It’s not on TripAdvisor’s List of Top 10 Plateau Experiences, but a visit to Highlands’ Historic Jail brings its own subtle delights.
Visiting the Historic Jail in downtown Highlands can be a charming experience!
If you haven’t taken a stroll down Maple Street to see it, make sure to stop by and admire the blooming flowers and plants that grace its gardens each season.
You’ll be treated to a variety of native North Carolina plants such as Wild Geranium, Stokes Aster, Cutleaf Coneflower, Columbine, Scarlet Beebalm, and Orange Coneflower. Placed among these beauties, you’ll also find Shasta Daisy, Stringy Stonecrop, Obedient Plant, Panicle Hydrangea, and Smooth Hydrangea. These are just some of the many colorful flowers in the gardens.
As an Atlanta ex-pat, I’ve always been partial to the more typical plants that grace that city’s many landscapes. I still love most of them but since I have lived on the Plateau and become a member of the Highlands Mountain Garden Club, I’ve gained a new appreciation for native plants for these reasons:
1. Adaptability: Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate, soil, and environmental conditions, making them more resilient to fluctuations and requiring less maintenance.
2. Water Efficiency: Once established, native plants typically require less water than non-native species because they have evolved to thrive in local rainfall patterns.
3. Wildlife Habitat: Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in your garden.
4. Reduced Need for Fertilizers and Pesticides: Native plants often have natural defenses against pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions that can harm the environment.
5. Low Maintenance: Because they are adapted to the local ecosystem, native plants generally require less fertilizer, pruning, and other maintenance compared to non-native plants.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Native plants can enhance the beauty of your garden with their unique colors, shapes, and textures that reflect the natural landscape of your region.
7. Conservation of Resources: By using native plants, you contribute to the conservation of indigenous flora and help preserve the genetic diversity of local plant species.
I hope you will enjoy many visits to the jail and learn the benefits of gardening with natives.
As Always, Happy Gardening!
