> Is it even possible to have an all-native yard in America?
> Without a huge amount of labor, or a very small greenspace? And what percentage of non-natives would be tolerable
> under that description, considering how invasive and aggressive exotics are here that are sold in the bid-box stores?

It depends on what you're starting with. If you have a large amount of land, heavily overgrown with aggressive exotics, cleaning them out to replace with natives might be really challenging; e.g. eliminating all Himalayan blackberry in a stand of mixed Himalayan & native (not to mention that they hybridize so readily!!!). Similarly, the exotic European grasses are all over the place, and hard to eliminate.

But yes, it *CAN* be done. It's just easier -- a LOT easier -- if the invasives aren't well-established. For example, during constructiion of many new homes, most of the immediate land is cleared by the huge traffic of workers & heavy equipment. A gardener ready to jump on the opportunity could very-likely fill the yard with natives, and keep the exotics suppressed.

If the land isn't pre-cleared that way, it can still be done...

One trick with the fast-growing vines is to find the herbicide that works on 'em, cut the vine almost all the way back, then apply the herbicide with a *paintbrush* (onto leaves, cut stems, etc; different herbicides prefer different applications) -- instead of using a spray-applicator unit that hits everything. Then, put a little plastic bag over the brushed-on chemicals, and rubber-band it in place. *ALL* the applied herbicide goes to the *specific* plant it was applied to; virtually zero spread into the environment at large. They use this trick to hit invasives in stream-corridors, where letting the toxin into the water can incur severe repercussions.

In many regions, specialty nurseries (or specially trained folks at a "general" nursery) stand ready to assist. Organizations such as "Sunset" magazine & their gardening dep't may be able to assist. Also check your local Universities' & Colleges' Biology or Botany departments -- there may well be some people there, interested in giving you highly-qualified advice on the topic.

Last but not least -- remember that not all "exotics" are *invasive*. Many of them need to be coddled by a caring person, and have no chance of surviving if they went wild...


- Steve