Using Native Plants in your yard and garden

Using native plants in your yard and garden can make like much easier for you as well as attract local birds and wildlife.  Native plants are ideal because they are uniquely suited to growing in their native area. This translates to less work and resources for the gardener. Since native plants have spent centuries adapting to your area’s natural geographic conditions, they aren’t going to need much in the way of supplemental fertilizer, spraying or winter mulching.  They are more resistant to local droughts and typically need less water than non-local plants.

Native plants also tend to behave better than other plants in your garden. Having evolved within the community, the planys have natural predators that help to keep them in check. In addition, local wildlife species have developed a relationship with native plants for generations relying on them for food, shelter and nesting. So a garden filled with native plants is likely to attract its own share of birds and butterflies.

Local nurseries and park departments are your best resource.  They will often release native plant lists in conjunction with seasonal sales.  PlantNative is an invaluable online resources that provides a comprehensive list of native plant nurseries and sources of native plants, broken down by state.  Also check out eNature.com which provides resources for native gardening along with an invasive plants guide.

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