Native Garden at Old Swedes
We’re supporting local wildlife by cultivating native plants, trees and shrubs at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church National Historic Site
Why native? Native plants are the ecological basis upon which life depends. For example, research by the entomologist Doug Tallamy has shown that native oak trees support over 500 species of caterpillars whereas ginkgos, a commonly planted landscape tree from Asia, host only 5 species of caterpillars. When it takes over 6,000 caterpillars to raise one brood of chickadees, that is a significant difference. Once established, native plants are easier to maintain, varied and beautiful, and offer support our local wildlife including important insects and birds.
Our goal is turn the church grounds into an sustainable and educational garden space with:
- Native plants
- Interpretive signage
- Guided Audio Tour
Get Involved
The Friends of Old Swedes is a native garden group started by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation. This group is open to anyone interested in planting, watering and cultivating native plants. Prior experience is not necessary.