Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s commitment to stewardship is displayed through best practices in conservation of natural resources, including water, land and all the life that they support.
Some of these best practices are:
Integrated Pest Management to keep plants healthy. Insects and other pests are common to all gardens, and we are no exception. By paying attention to the pest’s life cycle, the horticulture staff manages its population, uses mechanical and cultural methods first, saving chemical interventions as a last resort. Methods used include removing pests by hand, spraying with non-toxic formulas, and adjusting methods over time.
Preserve the native landscapes in the region. The Allegheny Plateau showcases a number of the region’s native tree species, including Quercus (Oak), Acer (Maple), and Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip trees). The area is managed by removing invasive plant species and selectively planting native species. A number of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers have been planted in the Allegheny Plateau to increase the diversity and richness of the area.
The Garden demonstrates the importance of using native plants and the cultivars of native plants in landscaping. Native plants are adapted to the landscape and climate conditions. They require very little water or maintenance, once they become established on a site.
