In a typical garden you've got your standard tomatoes, peppers, maybe herbs and greens, but did you know that the types of plants you choose to plant can have a significant impact on the environment? When selecting plants for your garden, it's important to consider planting native species. Last year I had taken a short class on Native Plants in Georgia. One of the most popular plants on the list, smooth coneflower, is endangered in this area of the south. They encouraged us to plant this variety instead of a standard purple coneflower (echinacea) - which unfortunately is sold at EVERY store. Stores may not care, but you can! My goal here is to help you understand how and why planting native species in your area can be helpful in many ways, and give you some resources to get started!
What does Native planting mean?
A native plant is one that has evolved naturally in a specific region, without human intervention. Native plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife, making them an important part of the local ecosystem. These plants have a complex relationship with other living organisms, including pollinators and other beneficial insects, birds, and animals, and play an important role in supporting the biodiversity of their ecosystem.
What is the importance of native planting?
Planting native species in your garden has many benefits, both for the environment and for your own well-being. Some of the most important benefits include:
Supporting biodiversity: Native plants are essential for supporting the local ecosystem, providing food and habitat for wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds. By planting native species, you can help preserve and protect local biodiversity.
Lower maintenance: Don't fuss over them, just enjoy them! Native plants are well-adapted to local growing conditions, making them easier to care for and less reliant on fertilizers. This can save you time and money, and help reduce the environmental impact of your garden.
Enhancing the beauty of your garden: Native plants come in a variety of colors and shapes, and can be used to create a beautiful and diverse garden. They also help create a sense of place and connection to your local environment.
What are three benefits of planting native species?
Increased resilience: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, making them more resilient to extreme weather conditions such as drought, floods, and storms.
Reduced water usage: Many native plants are drought-tolerant and require less water than non-native species, helping to conserve water resources.
Improved soil health: Native plants have deep roots that can help improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase soil fertility.
Resources
I know, I hear you, "How can I find out what is native to my area??"
Here are some resources for you to check out.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: This website has a native plant database that allows you to search for native plants by state or region. You can also narrow your search by plant characteristics such as growth habit, light requirements, and soil type.
USDA Plants Database: This website has a state search function that allows you to find native plants by state. You can also search for plants by scientific name, common name, or symbol.
National Wildlife Federation: This website has a native plant finder tool that allows you to search for native plants by zip code or state. You can also filter your search by plant type, sunlight requirements, and soil moisture.
Audubon Native Plants Database: This website has a searchable database of native plants that are beneficial for birds. You can search for plants by zip code or state and filter your search by plant type, sun exposure, and soil type.
Xerces Society: This website has a searchable database of native plants that are beneficial for pollinators. You can search for plants by state and filter your search by plant type, sun exposure, and soil type.
One way to protect native plants is to avoid introducing invasive species, which can outcompete and displace native plants. When gardening or landscaping, it's important to research which species are native to your region and avoid planting non-native or invasive species. Have you ever seen someone plant bamboo as a privacy screen? While it is visually appealing, it can get out of control quickly, and now the neighbors are pissed off because it's in their yard now too. Unless you're a panda, skip the bamboo in the USA.
You can also support conservation efforts by volunteering with local organizations that work to protect and restore natural habitats, or by advocating for policies that promote the preservation of native species. By taking action to protect native plants, we can help ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Will you be planting native species in your garden this year? Let me know what your favorites are! It's the small things that make the big changes. So get out there, support local biodiversity, reduce your environmental impact, and create a beautiful and resilient garden. By choosing native plants, you can help protect and preserve the natural beauty of your local ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
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