Using Native Plants to Green Your Landscaping
by Jennifer Lefebvre
Did you know that even your garden could benefit from being “green”? One of the most sustainable ways to green your landscaping is to use native plants. Native plants are species that have naturally grown and survived in a particular environment. These plants have evolved and adapted over many years and have shown to be resilient and vigorous. They enjoy the soil in which they grow and have survived on the water supply they naturally receive. They’ve survived diseases and pests that have come and gone which may have afflicted other species of plants. In essence, they are low maintenance and thrive with the least amount of care.
A benefit of using native plants in your landscaping is that it fosters the existence of a natural ecosystem. When native plants are healthy, the animals and insects that survive on them are also healthy. Native plants offer a recognizable and diverse habitat for local wildlife. This creates a balance in the environment. Since native species have been able to survive on the water they receive from natural sources, it is not typically necessary to water them by hand. In addition, they use water more efficiently because they have learned to; their root systems have adapted to their environment. Not needing regular watering can save over 50 percent of landscape water usage. Because of their root systems, they also help to control soil erosion. In addition these types of plants do not require fertilizer or chemical pesticides. Soil erosion and pesticides used on other types of plants can cause run-off that threatens our streams, rivers, and estuaries.
The benefits of using native plants in your landscaping are twofold. Not only do the plants thrive in their natural environment, they provide suitable environments for native species of wildlife and insects. Because they seldom require water in addition to what they receive naturally from the environment to which they are native, there is little work required on the part of the gardener. Overall, using native plants for your landscaping needs can not only promote a healthy ecosystem, it can also keep money in your pocket as your water bill decreases since you won’t have to water them as frequently as other, non-native species of plants.
For more information about how to create a native garden, visit http://www.enature.com/native_invasive.
Tags: native landscaping, water usage
