In recent years, native gardens have been gaining popularity. This could be due to the various benefits that come from the native plants. For starters, native species help support local ecosystems.
Since native wildlife evolved alongside these plants, the various species will have symbiotic relationships. In fact, native plants are the foundation of local food webs, they help give the wildlife what is needed to survive.
At the same time, gardeners will find some perks to gardening native species. Due to their history, these plants have adapted to the specificities of the region. This means they will not require as much attention or upkeep — which could be great for beginners!
More specifically, native plants are suited for the region. They adapted to the nutrient levels in the soil, rainfall levels, and other climate conditions of the region. Therefore, native gardens do not require as much fertilizing or watering as gardens with exotic plants, allowing gardeners to save time and money.
Native Plants and Butterflies
Butterflies are often overlooked. They are often only thought of as pretty insects that fly through the sky. However, they are actually important pollinators; butterflies help over 90% of Earth’s flowering plants create fruit and seeds.
Unfortunately, like many other pollinators, butterflies are in danger. As many continue to favor lawns and ornamental exotic plants, caterpillars are left without enough food.
This creates a ripple effect. As caterpillars dwindle in number, so do other insects and birds that rely on caterpillars, butterflies, and moths for food.
How to Help
After learning all of this information, you may be thinking what are we going to do? Well, the good news is there are plenty of opportunities to help, like planting butterfly-friendly plant species in your yard.
Not sure what species are butterfly-friendly? No problem. The Native Plant Finder is the perfect tool for all gardeners looking to promote pollinator-friendly plants and plant native gardens.
After you finish planning your native garden, let us know what you are planting in your native garden and spread the word! Together we can turn the tide and help pollinators flourish again.
