There are many benefits that come along with planting the local species for your area in your garden.
First, the research alone can be fun! Finding out which plants are native to your site could involve going to your library, researching online and reading books, but the most fun and beneficial to everyone, is a visit to a local botanical garden will put you on the right track. Although many do have species from all over the world, they usually do have native plants pointed out and labeled. Also, check with your local Cooperative Extension.
The other benefits from going native are pretty much two-fold. It promotes biodiversity and the plants are low maintenance.
Biodiversity is very important to support local wildlife. Now, many read that and think "deer," I know, but there is much more to it than that. The right plants will feed the right wildlife, such as birds, rabbits and squirrels, and yes, probably deer (read this article regarding deer resistant gardens). The right insects also will feed the birds and wildlife and help pollinate the flowers we all love, so we get more plants and flowers.
Low maintenance is probably the most important to all of us. First, native species were around long before irrigation systems. So, they will survive drought and will use less water and need less care than non-native plants.
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| Find out what plants are native to your area by visiting a local botanical garden. |
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In the same vein, natives were around long before man made fertilizers. So, they will not be as dependent on fertilizers for growth. If you feel you must add fertilizer, an organic fertilizer, such as cow manure, is all you need and will produce beautiful results.
We all have gardens that we either inherited or planted ourselves, where we have not given much thought to planting native. Check which plants in your garden are native and which are not. Obviously, it would be a waste of money and plants to just go ahead and change it all. Do it step by step as plants die or you extend your garden.
Make it a goal to add only natives to your garden as you, or your landscaper, buy and plant new plants. Keeping a list of natives you like as you find them will help you and your gardener immensely.
It will bring great joy and a sense of accomplishment to promote native plant growth in your garden. You will notice more birds, butterflies and other wildlife. This is truly what is meant by going green and being a steward fo the earth.
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