Across the country, more and more people are discovering the satisfaction of landscaping their homes with native plants. Many native plants are attractive ornamentals and adapt easily to local gardens. Now you can easily create a woodland, wetland, or meadow in your own back yard.
Native plants are those that evolved naturally in North America and which occurred within the state before humans introduced plants from distant places. Native plants typically grow in communities with species adapted to similar soil, moisture, and weather conditions. Native plants include ferns, grasses, flowering perennials, woody trees and shrubs.
Native plants are naturally adapted to perform well in our local climate. They require less water than most non-natives once they are established and resist native pests and diseases better. Many help to enrich the soil. Their root systems help rainfall percolate into the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. A side benefit of using native plants is that they improve water quality by needing less fertilizer and no pesticides.
Many native plants attract beneficial insects which help control pests, creating habitat for “good bugs.” Native plants also provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat favored by our local wildlife. This can help you make your garden a sanctuary for songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other desirable wildlife.
Native plants are fairly easy to care for. Using slow release or (preferably) organic fertilizers like Espoma will keep plants healthy without providing a flush of nutrients that would give weeds a competitive edge. As with any other plants in your garden, keeping the soil covered with decorative mulch will keep your plants happy and provide some extra control of weeds. When landscaping with native plants, it is important to choose plants that will grow well in your garden: wet or dry, shade or sun, acid or neutral soil.
Native plants not only suit today’s interest in low maintenance gardening but they also can provide us with a tangible link to the past. Many species have reported value as food, medicine, textiles and other domestic purposes. Our staff of nursery experts will be happy to make recommendations for your particular needs.