Why Use Native Plants in Your Garden?

For the last couple of decades we’ve been seeing a trend by gardeners to use more native plants in their landscapes. Beyond the fact that there are plenty of native plants that are just knock-your-socks-off beautiful, there are other good reasons why going native is a good idea.

First, native plants are perfectly adapted to our climate. You don’t have to worry about whether or not they can survive our temperature extremes or how much precipitation we get. They won’t just tolerate it; they’ll thrive in it!

Second, natives are perfectly suited to our local soils. In fact, our soils are made up of generations of their decomposed ancestors!

Third, natives will not get invasive, as some non-native plants will. The plants and animals that worked together to maintain a balanced ecosystem for eons are able to do so now.

Fourth, native plants provide the most benefit for other native wildlife. Though a small yard will have a small impact, the more acres we plant to native plants, the bigger the benefit. Whether we’re talking birds like the meadowlark and bobolink or insects like the monarch or the firefly, populations of native animals are less than what they were a couple decades ago. Planting your yard to native plants is a step in restoring what we’ve lost.

Fifth, native plants require less water, less fertilizer, less maintenance and fewer pesticides. That means a happier and healthier environment not only for your family, but also for everyone.

Ready to go native? Check out the native plant sale sponsored by the Root River Chapter of Wild Ones at the Kenosha County Center at Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 45 in Bristol, Wisconsin on June 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be experts on hand to answer any questions you have.