Native plants have a stigma attached to them as being unkempt, or ugly, or messy. Landscape architects are wild about them. Most developers don’t want them on their properties but allow them to the extent that jurisdictions require them. The general public is generally not aware that there are more native plants available than just “grasses”. In an effort to educate the non-believers, here are six important reasons to use native plants when planning gardens or landscapes on any scale.
Reason #1 – Sense of place
Native plants are, in large part, what make a place, a place. They provide visual cues as to where in the world you are. The sighting of a Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto) lets you know that you are not in the mountains and you can be sure that if you picnic in the shade of an Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), that you are most likely not at the beach.
Reason #2 – Conserve water
Native plants are acclimated to climatic and environmental conditions to the regions in which they grow. They do require supplemental watering to help get them established, but irrigation systems can be turned off after a period of time. Water is a precious, but limited, resource that we have a responsibility to conserve for future generations. Exotic species require creating artificial conditions for survival, wasting natural resources and energy, and costing more money.
Reason #3 – Don’t need chemicals
Native plants are naturally resistant to local pests from years of exposure, and they don’t require fertilizer because they have evolved to thrive in native soils. Chemicals used to support exotic species are harmful to wildlife and people, and pollute water bodies.
Reason #4 – Require less maintenance
Native plants are adapted to environmental stresses, and therefore don’t require much attention to sustain them. Exotic species require, as mentioned already, the creation of artificial conditions, depleting natural resources and polluting water bodies. They also require energy to keep them from outgrowing their spaces and from escaping into natural areas, which could be devastating to native flora and fauna, as is the case with the Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) in Florida and Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)in Georgia.
Reason #5 – Ensure biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the health of an environment. Relationships exist between native plants and organisms, where a species own survival is dependent on the survival of another. It is a tentative balance that can be upset by the introduction of exotic species or the removal of native species.
Reason #6 – Support native wildlife
Native wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, are attracted to and depend upon native plant species for nourishment and shelter. Their biological clocks are synchronized so that leaves bloom, flowers bud, and fruit ripens at times when native wildlife needs them.
These are the reasons why it is imperative that native plants become more utilized in planning gardens and landscapes for our small backyards and large commercial developments. There are thousands of species of native landscape plants available. With some thought and creativity, native plants can create a beautiful look. It does not have to feel unkempt or messy. We have a responsibility to conserve our limited natural resources.
Natural is beautiful.
Landscape architects and native plant nurseries, like All Native in Florida are great resources for native plant information. Consult them if you are unsure how to utilize native plants.