If you’ve ever wondered how native plants can go beyond beauty to build resilience and community, Preston Montague’s approach offers a fresh perspective.
In a recent conversation for Garden Side Chats, Wild Ones Chapter Liason Lisa Olsen had the pleasure of hosting Preston Montague, a landscape architect, artist, and educator based in Durham, North Carolina. Preston’s work ranges from teaching undergraduates at North Carolina A&T University to designing the Greensboro, North Carolina native garden plan for the Wild Ones national library of native garden designs.
As we explore Preston’s approach to native landscapes, we learn about the challenges and rewards of maintaining native habitats, the importance of garden resilience, and how local community initiatives can play a pivotal role in fostering ecologically healthy landscapes.
The Journey to Native Landscaping
Lisa Olsen: Can you share your journey toward becoming an advocate for native plants? Was there an “aha” moment that cemented your commitment to ecological landscaping?
Preston Montague: I discovered gardening while working as an installation artist, creating outdoor sculptures that connected me with landscapes. Over time, I realized the profound social and environmental justice impact of gardens. While my early interest was in tropical and exotic plants, exposure to the native plant movement, particularly at conferences, revealed how small gestures in landscaping can have significant ecological impacts. This understanding transformed my approach to design, anchoring it in sustainability and a sense of place.
Educating Clients and Students on Native Plant Benefits
Lisa Olsen: What challenges do you see in educating clients and students about the importance of native plants?
Preston Montague: Maintenance is a significant educational challenge. Many people associate habitat with ‘undesirable’ wildlife. I emphasize that ecological design involves more than just choosing native plants—it’s about understanding native structures and organizing them to maximize ecosystem benefits. Helping students and clients grasp concepts like patches, corridors, and keystone species fosters a conservationist mindset and guides design decisions.
Public Perception of Native Plants
Lisa Olsen: With increasing media attention on native landscaping, how can we expand acceptance of natural landscapes locally and nationally?
Preston Montague: Interest in ecological design has surged since the pandemic. Gardening is a way to alleviate eco-anxiety and gives people a mission. Small changes, like planting a few native trees or wildflowers, can have an outsized impact on local wildlife. Moreover, gardeners inspire others. Neighbors see the benefits—pollinators, birds, even fireflies—and often want to replicate it. By emphasizing keystone species and native plants in designs, we can spark a ripple effect across communities.
Designing for Resilience in a Changing Climate
Lisa Olsen: How can native plants and natural landscapes play a role in disaster recovery and building community resilience?
Preston Montague: Site design must prioritize managing stormwater to slow and clean it before it leaves a property. Techniques like rain gardens, bioswales, and dense plantings reduce erosion and preserve water in the landscape. Incorporating herbaceous native plants can create habitats while addressing stormwater challenges. Encouraging local municipalities to adopt native-friendly codes and integrating native plantings into urban design are key steps in mitigating climate-related disasters.
Fostering Community Through Native Gardens
Lisa Olsen: Native gardens often become focal points for neighborhoods. How can they foster a shared sense of purpose and connection?
Preston Montague: Gardens are living works of art and gifts to the community. My own garden attracts neighbors who take selfies and ask about the plants. This creates opportunities for conversations about ecological gardening and inspires others to transform their yards. Native gardens demonstrate care and compassion, fostering social bonds while challenging conventional landscaping norms.
Watch the full Gardenside Chat
Watch directly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlZqXSpi1gc