Re: Native Plant Rescue

**C* U* <c*@sbcglobal.net>**

Hi Gene,
He's saying that in general they 'don't' according to the research.  
Insects eat the plants with which they share a long evolutionary  
history and to which they have adapted over centuries. Over time they  
can adapt to alien plants if the chemistry suits their needs, but  
this doesn't happen quickly so the worry is that insects will  
diminish in numbers and possibly disappear before this adaptation can  
develop. His argument is thus that home gardeners need to grow  
increasing numbers of natives (whatever is native to your region) to  
compensate for habitat losses. Should be good for your business.
Carolyn
On Jan 4, 2008, at 3:27 PM, Gene Bush wrote:

> Hello Carolyn,
>     I have seen this book mentioned elsewhere and the title came up at
> dinner here over the holidays with guests. Has anyone read the  
> chapter on
> "Why Can't Insect Eat Alien Plants"? Pretty broad statement at face  
> value.
> Obviously insects DO eat alien plants, pollinate and feed. So, is  
> he saying
> they cannot or is he stating the consequences of the behavior?  
> Inquiring
> minds and all that....
>     Gene E. Bush
> Munchkin Nursery & Gardens, llc
> www.munchkinnursery.com
> genebush@munchkinnursery.com
> Zone 6/5  Southern Indiana
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Carolyn Ulrich" <cultivated@sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: Re: [GWL] Native Plant Rescue
>
>
>> Continuing this thread, I'd like to recommend the new book by Douglas
>> Tallamy of Univ of Delaware--Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants
>> Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens (Timber), especially the chapter "Why
>> Can't Insect Eat Alien Plants?" It's all about pollination. Habitat
>> loss is scary stuff.
>> Carolyn Ulrich
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> gardenwriters mailing list
> gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters
>
> GWL has searchable archives at:
> http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters
>
> Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
> at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos
>
> Post gardening questions/threads to
> &quot;Gardenwriters on Gardening&quot; &lt;gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org&gt;
>
> For GWL website and Wiki, go to
> http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters

_______________________________________________
gardenwriters mailing list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters

GWL has searchable archives at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters

Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos

Post gardening questions/threads to
&quot;Gardenwriters on Gardening&quot; &lt;gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org&gt;

For GWL website and Wiki, go to
http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters