Native Plants

Native plants have evolved, over thousands of years, to live in relative balance with local soil, climate, plants, animals, and insects.

These are not plants from other regions or other continents. They are often not even plants native to nearby towns or counties. These are not plants that were developed in a laboratory.

Blackberries need very little help once established

Benefits of native plants

Native plants are perfect for busy (or lazy) gardeners and homeowners. They are naturally suited to your soil texture, Hardiness Zone, and soil pH. Once installed, these plants already have everything they need in a landscape:

• Native plants are less likely to need interventions to stay healthy.
• Native plants use 80% less water than traditional gardens and landscapes.
• Native plants thrive in existing soil and climate conditions.
• Native plants provide food and shelter to local birds, animals, and insects, increasing biodiversity.

Installing native plants reduces your workload and promotes a healthy environment over the long haul. While non-native plants may look appealing, they often require more work, water, and other resources. So, how does a gardener go native?

Salvias grow easily in many regions and honey bees love them (Stuart Russell)

Going native

Going native doesn’t mean you have to stop growing your grandmother’s heirloom tomatoes or patches of delicious basil. It simply means using native plants as your first choice. Hardcore enthusiasts insist on growing nothing but natives. Personally, I find that level of commitment too limiting. Instead, I look for a workable balance. You can find information about native plants from your County Extension Office and local native plant societies. Here are some tips for gardeners looking to add native plants:

• Use native plants that are as local as possible.
• Pair native plants that grow together naturally, using similar soil, sun, and water resources.
• Avoid installing invasive plants.
• Minimize pruning to avoid interfering with wildlife.
• Allow leaf litter to remain where it falls, where it will feed the soil and improve soil structure.
• Avoid using chemical pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides.
• Install native plants that will attract native pollinators.
• Make your landscape fire safe.

Many times, native plants are free for the taking, if done responsibly.

Delicious golden currants

Water conservation

Around the world, drought is never far from our thoughts. Water-hungry plants may consume more than they are worth. Native plants have evolved natural water conservation methods. You can also add native plants to a rain garden or swale to create a natural watershed that slows the absorption of rainwater. This allows more of it to stay in the soil for later use. 

Even if you grow native plants for no reason other than water conservation, you will be doing yourself and the environment a favor.