When you think of some of your favorite bouquets you might picture tropical orchids or tall, slender lilies. But did you know that plants native to our region make great cut flowers for arrangements and crafting projects too?

When designing Spring Forward, Into Summer, the park’s current horticulture exhibition, we made the decision to include native plants. Around the Southern Fountain, you’ll find a garden bed dedicated to great cut flowers that are closely native to our region. In it you will find Eryngium yuccifolium, a spiky perennial that adds lots of texture and interest, Monarda punctata, which features a wonderful fragrance and charming purple crown-like flower, and Rudbeckia hirta, with its cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers.

There are many benefits to using native plants in your garden, even if you’re prioritizing cutting. Native plants provide food and shelter for pollinators, and these hardy plants will come back every year, saving you money on the seeds or expensive tropical annuals you may buy instead every summer.

If you are interested in incorporating native plants into your outdoor space, check out our Guide to Restoring Native Plants in New York City. And be sure to check out our Spring Forward, Into Summer exhibition while it’s in full swing!