Knowing the Natives
October 21, 2014 – My friend Phyllis conducts tours of the grounds at the Sanibel city hall, where numerous native plants grow. The tours are not about city government; they are about what grows well on this fragile barrier island – plants that do not need fertilizer and that can survive droughts. The tours are free and no reservations are needed. For property owners, it is a bargain and a joy to listen to the information that Phyllis provides. In her sweet voice, she tells little stories about each plant. She needs no notes; she knows it all by heart. Phyllis is the chair of the city’s vegetation committee. She devotes much time to this volunteer job. The committee's members inspect properties that are being developed; they help to ensure that native plants are protected and replaced when necessary. A firebush bloom. That committee also does much to educate new property owners as well as longtime residents like me, who have forgotten what ...