Gardening with Native Plants

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Native plants are those that have grown in one part of the world for many years. They are adapted to the local environment and climate. They usually don’t require special treatment to thrive.

Monarda didyma, bee balm

They support beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, which helps ensure that all our plants get pollinated.

These insects are also needed to feed baby birds, while the native seeds, berries, and nectar feed adult birds.

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Lobelia cardinalis, cardinal flower;
with Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies

Asclepius tuberosa                                       Packera aurea                                Pycnanthemum muticum

Many native plants, such as these, have natural defenses against browsing by deer and other mammals. 

What you get with a lawn:

             
non-native grass

lawn maintenance

stormwater run-off

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no gratitude

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What you get with a native plant:

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healthy soil

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a tiny self-sufficient ecosystem

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rain infiltration

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perpetual gratitude

from nature!

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