More gardeners are looking at gardening not just for aesthetics or home improvement, but also as a means to provide ecological services and enhance biodiversity. The trend has also been observed in the landscaping industry as more environmentally conscious homeowners opt for green projects that restore habitat and conserve resources. One of the best ways you can have a positive impact is by incorporating native plants in your landscape.
Native plants are those that have existed in a certain region for thousands of years and have become well adapted to the local climate, soil, water, and wildlife. Non-native or exotic plants are those that have not existed in a region for as long and may or may not have adapted to the local environment. While scientific research and anecdotal evidence have established native plants as superior to non-natives in most cases, the latter remain more prevalent in many gardens. Here are 10 benefits of using native plants and some reasons gardeners should plant natives.
Native Plants Provide Food and Habitat for Wildlife
If you want your garden to benefit local biodiversity and support birds and pollinators, then native plants are the way to go. Native species are food and shelter sources for local wildlife. Birds, bees, butterflies, and other critters have evolved with them over thousands of years and are well adapted to use the nectar, foliage, berries, and other native plants offer.
This is in contrast to exotic species that may not have the same nutritional or shelter value for wildlife. For instance, native milkweeds are important to monarch butterflies and native oaks support many species of caterpillars that are a major food source for birds.
If you want a garden that provides value for local wildlife, choose plants native to your region.
Native Plants are easy to Maintain and Tolerant of Drought and Extreme Conditions
Because they have adapted to local conditions over thousands of years, native plants generally fare better than exotic species. In other words, they are well suited for local rainfall, temperature, sunlight, and soil conditions. Many native species are naturally drought tolerant and are accustomed to periods of water scarcity in summer, as well as cold winters or periodic flooding, depending on your region.
Because of this, they are more resilient and less maintenance intensive than many exotic species that have not adapted as well to local conditions. You can also leave them be in summer, when many exotic plants may require extra watering and care. This means native species save labor and resources and are better for the environment.
Native Plants are Pest and Disease Resistance
Non-native plants tend to be more prone to pest and disease problems, simply because they are grown outside their natural ecosystem. In many cases, gardeners have to spray these plants with fertilizers and pesticides to protect them. This may be harmful to beneficial insects, the soil, and local waterways.
Native plants on the other hand have evolved with local pests and diseases and have strong, natural defenses that protect them. This means less or no need for chemical use, making them safe for pollinators and beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and birds. It is also safer for your kids, pets, and the environment.
Native Plants Enhances Soil Quality
Native plants are excellent for soil conservation and development. They have deep, well-established roots that help prevent soil erosion and hold water and nutrients. These roots also create space in the soil for rainwater and other moisture to penetrate, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.
Native plants also support symbiotic microorganisms and fungi in the soil that promote nutrient cycling and healthy soil. As these plants grow and die, they decompose and provide nutrients for future generations, gradually enriching the soil and making it more suitable for diverse plant life.
Climate Adapted
With growing climate change concerns, it is also important to note that native plants are better adapted to their local conditions. This means that they are more drought tolerant, heat and cold resilient, and pest and disease resistant, making them more likely to survive in the future as the climate changes.
If you are looking for a garden that will be more resilient and low-maintenance over time, planting native species is a good way to go.
Local Appeal and Color
Native plants are a great way to showcase the natural beauty of your local region. Natives in your garden also help maintain a sense of place, as they grow well in the soil and climate and are not as easily affected by growing conditions as non-natives.
To pick natives that add local color, do some research on the flowers, foliage, and berries of native plants in your region. This way you can pick a native palette that shows off the best of your local landscape while also making your property more distinctive and valuable.
Native Plants Support Pollination and Food Production
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are vital to growing fruits and vegetables. Native plants help support these pollinators because they have the pollen, nectar, and suitable breeding areas they need to thrive. They are also a major food source for birds, helping to feed them and their young.
You can also plant native flowers among your vegetables and fruit trees to boost pollination and yields. Native pollinators can provide a free, natural, chemical-free way to increase your crop production.Lowers Invasive Species Risk
Non-native species can be invasive and spread quickly, crowding out local plant species. This is a problem for natural areas because it destroys habitat and local biodiversity, and it is also a problem for gardeners because it is difficult and expensive to manage.
When you plant native species, you greatly lower the risk of introducing and spreading invasive species. You can do this by being careful about the plants you bring into your home and garden and always opting for native over exotic or unknown speciesCost Savings
While some native plants may be more expensive than typical landscape plants, they will generally save you money over time. This is because they use less water and are more disease and pest resistant. They also require less maintenance, so you save on labor.
Native gardens are also more visually appealing and can help you increase the value of your property.
A More Rewarding Gardening Experience
Planting and growing native plants can also be a more rewarding experience for gardeners. You can connect with the land more by observing native butterflies laying eggs, watching your plants sprout and grow, and listening to birds feed on your native berries. You also get to experience the full range of local colors and rhythms throughout the year.
Native plants are better for the environment, require less maintenance, use less water, and are more resilient in the long term. They also protect pollinators and other wildlife, which is important for food production and overall biodiversity.
Beyond this, native plants add local beauty and charm to a property and give homeowners a more rewarding and satisfying gardening experience. By planting natives, you can do good for the environment and enjoy a beautiful garden at the same time.
