Plant Natives for a Stunning, Low-Maintenance Garden That Inspires Joy
Native plants benefit the world and beautify your space
What is a “native plant,” anyway? A native plant is a flower, grass, vine, bush, or tree species that grows naturally in your region. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and naturally support wildlife in the region.
Not long after we moved into our home a few years ago, my husband and I realized that our backyard was washing away with each rainstorm. A landscaper’s proposal involved extensive work and cost a small fortune. Can plants stop erosion? I wondered. It turns out that plants can absolutely stop erosion.
Better yet: by planting native plants, we solved our erosion problem while creating a beautiful, low-maintenance backyard that’s host to native wildlife including several species of well-fed birds and colorful butterflies (which my kids love to watch flit around the garden).
Why does gardening with native plants matter?
It might surprise you to learn that some of the plants commonly sold in garden centers have a negative (or, at best, neutral) impact on wildlife and the environment. Consider, for example, nandina, which many gardeners enjoy for its delicate foliage, bright winter berries, and general hardiness. Unfortunately, nandina is an imported exotic that, depending on the variety, can be invasive yet provides little or no benefit for pollinators or wildlife in North America; furthermore, the berries may even be harmful to wildlife.
While you don’t need to rip out your non-native plants (non-native plants and animals aren’t all bad), it’s a good idea to incorporate native flowers, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees in your landscaping when possible.
Here are three key benefits of gardening with native plants:
1. Native plants are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t generally require pesticides (and when they do, you can use an organic product like neem oil), and they require little or no fertilizer or extra water once established.
2. Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife, including pollinators. You’ve probably heard about the plight of the bee. Did you know you could help save the bees, simply by incorporating native plants in your garden? It really is that simple.
3. Native plants are beautiful!
Native plants have the potential to be absolutely stunning since they are naturally adapted to your environmental conditions.
How can you get started gardening with native plants?
Use this resource from the National Wildlife Federation to find plants native to your region of the United States.
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching our garden grow and support wildlife (and much of my kids’ playtime!) season after season, year after year. Even in the midst of a pandemic and a turbulent election season, the garden is a place of respite. Filled with native plants and the wildlife they support, it’s alive and truly vibrant.
