Native Plants

Why You Should Use Native Plants In Your Garden 

Over the last 100 years, society has become more urban. As a result of this, ecological components to living have been transformed. The United States of America saw more than 150,000,000 acres of farmland and habitat depleted due to urbanization. Many homeowners have transitioned into lawn maintenance as a way of keeping nature’s cycle going. Having well-manicured grass also adds to the curb value of your home. Many experts of science and nature mention that watering the grass in your yard isn’t enough to preserve nature's biodiversity. It has been recommended to use native plants in and around your garden. Benefits are abundant in incorporating native plants into your garden.

 A native plant is one that organically grows in the region it’s located.

They serve as a life and food source for birds, people, and other wildlife. Local birds are tremendously affected by native plants. This is large because many insects have evolved with native plants over the years. So without these types of plants, birds would not be able to survive locally. The native oak tree is a great example of this. Natively, the oak provides living support for more than 500 species of caterpillars; a similar tree that isn’t locally native can only host 5 species of the same of caterpillars.

Most of our plants here at the nursery are native to Tennessee and thus native to many areas of the US. The Lady Fern and the Bloodroot are just a few of those examples. By using native plants, you are promoting healthy wildlife and ecosystem. To restore the habitat of natives, more local plants should be planted than foreign species. There are numerous traditional and digital databases where you can explore plants that are native to your region. These databases also reveal information such as the types of insects and birds your native plants will attract.

  Low maintenance is one of the best benefits of having native plants in your garden.

Once planted, you don’t have to check it every few days or even weekly. It is properly acclimated to the city you live in, so climate changes and fluctuating conditions will not have a negative affect. Using native plants also decreases the amount of artificial fertilizer that is being released into the air. In addition to this, carbon dioxide can be stored in native plants. This is important to note since most people purchase plants to help the environment. Another huge benefit of having a native plant is the conservation of water. Since they adapt to the region’s environmental circumstances, the water it receives naturally is enough for growth. Forms of wildlife such as moths and butterflies rely on native plants for necessary nectar and nutrients. The pollinators in foreign plant species do not provide the same benefits for local wildlife. Overall, choosing to incorporate native plants in your garden not only helps preserve the ecosystem, but it will also save you money on multiple levels.