What is an Exotic Garden
A plant can be considered exotic if it is growing somewhere that is outside its native habitat. Whether the plant was relocated via natural forces, purposeful human intervention or accidental transportation, it has no effect on its status as exotic. Exotic plant species can now be seen growing wild in parks and yards, as well as organized into gardens and landscapes.
When a garden is designed using mainly exotic plants, it is referred to as an exotic garden. Gardeners often enjoy the challenge of maintaining plants in an environment that is unsuited for them. This may include protecting the plant from extremes of hot or cold. The amount of sunlight at particular times of the year may even be an issue for exotic plant material. Creating the correct substrate to provide the desired drainage and nutrition is also critical.
Some exotic gardens are designed to provide the opportunity for the public to see plant species from around the world. The Chicago Botanic Garden, for example, boasts over two million varieties of plants, including a large number of exotic plants.
Exotic gardening has become a popular past time around the country, creating the need for nurseries that specialize in the propagation and sale of exotic plants. Typically these nurseries will be able to provide guidance on plant care and other pertinent information. Exotic plants can be ordered and shipped via licensed and insured nurseries. Licensing through the Department of Agriculture helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
When cultivating an exotic garden, it is important for the gardener to understand his responsibility regarding containment. Exotic plants can easily become a problem if they are allowed to propagate and spread unchecked. Some exotics can become destructive and invasive, choking out the indigenous plant species. When this happens the entire community suffers. Exotic plant species typically do not have the natural elements that control growth like they would in their native environment. It is up to the gardener to ensure that his exotic plants do not cause environmental issues.