As we head into spring, we’re again getting ready to plant our gardens and add to our home landscapes. Each year we hear more and more about the benefits of native plants as local landscaping companies, nurseries, and environmental professionals encourage planting gardens that benefit local ecology. Even our own plant sale here at the Nature Center features primarily native options!

Why is it so important to choose native plants? They…

Provide food for native birds: For example, the invasive Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) produces fruits of low nutritional value and the vines are less likely to provide habitat for insects that many birds rely on for protein. Less or lower quality food sources can have a negative impact on migration and reproduction in birds. On the other hand, the native Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) provides nectar for hummingbirds, and other long-tongued insects as well as nesting areas for birds. 

Attract pollinators and other important insects: Many insects have just a small group of plants they can consume as food. Monarch butterflies, for example, can only eat the leaves of select plants in the milkweed family. Bees also require both habitat and blooming plants throughout their flight period, while we depend on them to pollinate our food crops. Pollinator gardens are made up of plants that specifically help these and other pollinating insects.

Thrive with little maintenance: Native plants have adapted to local soils, climate, and other conditions, and are more likely to survive extreme weather and other adversities than non-native varieties. This means they need less attention in the form of watering or soil amendments, and they have a greater chance of survival long-term.



Maintain native biodiversity: Our entire ecosystem relies on native plants, but they’re threatened by exotic species, development, deer, and pollution. By replacing your diversity-starved green lawn with a variety of native plants, you can contribute to native biodiversity. Just watch as birds, butterflies, bees, and other animals breathe life back into your space!