3 Reasons For Using Native Plants

You may be hearing a lot about native plants these days but do you really know what it’s all about? Going native involves using plants that have adapted to and flourish in the growing conditions found in your local area. Wildflower gardening is one example of this type of landscaping, but it can also include grasses, shrubs, and trees in addition to flowering plants.

Here are a few reasons why this form of landscaping is becoming increasingly popular with individual gardeners as well as municipalities and local governments:

  • Native Plantings Solve Problems - Perhaps the major reason that going native is catching on is that it can be a useful tool in solving problems. For example, gardeners in areas prone to drought are turning to native plants in order to keep their yards green even in dry conditions. Once established native plantings use significantly less water and if erosion is a problem than native grasses and trees can help bind the soil together to address this concern. If too much water is sometimes a problem in your yard than native plants might be a way to combat this issue too.

 

  • Native Plantings Save Money - Another good reason to grow native plants is that they can be less costly to maintain. Many local governments are planting wildflowers in highway medians to reduce the need to water and cut grass during the summer and since native plants are so adaptable they often self-seed themselves and eliminate the need to be replanted year after year. What a great investment! These characteristics can be equally beneficial to the residential gardener as a low maintenance yard means time can be freed up for other pursuits and carefully planted native trees can shade a home and reduce cooling costs in the summer or provide a windbreak to reduce heating costs in the winter.

 

  • Native Plantings are Good for the Environment - Native plantings not only benefit governments and people but also provides a sanctuary to birds and wildlife. Restoring native plants to an area can encourage species to return to habitats they once avoided and this can include beneficial insects and other animals that actually help home gardeners and farmers protect vegetables and other crops. Native plants don’t need fertilizers to grow or herbicides to protect them from pests or disease. They help improve the environment which is beneficial to everyone.

While I’ve touted the benefits of natural landscaping and native plants I don’t want to leave you with the impression that growing them is easier than traditional plants. For example, the soil that is left behind in building projects is often less than fertile and it will need to be improved even for native plants to grow. Remember, healthy soil will support healthy plants! Additionally, although they won’t need as much water, in the long run, they will require a little extra “TLC” to get them properly established.  

If this article has convinced you to “Try Going Native” you’ll be happy to know that there are resources available to assist you with this. The American Horticultural Society provides a list of state native plant societies and many local garden centers are now stocking and promoting native plants for their customers. If you’re already using native plants in your garden please share your experiences with us on our Facebook page.

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  • bsf1005@gmail.com Jul 27

    Thank you

    You’re welcome. Thanks for the feedback!

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