The Practicality

of Native Plants

in Home

Gardens

Most people

have a vague

idea of the plants they want on

their

landscape,

but not

everyone

considers

the power

of native plants. Perhaps because

these species are common in the

area, they feel like these are no

longer special.

The truth, however, is that native

plants are a highly practical choice

for any garden – and these reasons

justify that claim:

Simpler

Maintenance

First of all, native plants make

garden maintenance easier. This is

because native species adapt more

quickly to the

soil and

surrounding

environs than

non-native

plants. With a

natural suitability for the current

soil condition and atmosphere, the

native plants create a small-scale

ecosystem wherein gardeners do

not have to do as much work as

when foreign plants are present.

Reduced

Costs

It is also easier to pull off a garden

with native plants because of the

lower costs of such species in a

particular area. Instead of

purchasing expensive seeds and

cuts, homeowners can simply graft

stems of native plants and nurse

them until they grow their own

roots.

Increased

Wildlife

Native plants have a way of

attracting the local fauna – this,

again, is the ecosystem at work.

After a while, bees, butterflies, and

spiders find their way to the garden

and thrive there. Not only does this

improve the appeal of the space, it

also helps the plants to grow at a

faster, healthier pace.

Healthier

Environment

A garden full of native plants

reduces – eliminates, even – the

need for chemicals like pesticides

to aid plant growth. This all boils

down to the natural environment,

again, as the plants are more

familiar with the terrain. Thus, the

shrubs and trees know how to

adjust to the conditions of the soil

and thrive without the need for

artificial additives.

Natural

Appeal

Lastly, native plants create a more

natural appeal to any landscape. Be it

for a modern or for a colonial home,

the presence of locally popular species

adds some pizzazz to the area. Any

professional landscaper would agree

that native plants are highly useful in

planning an attractive yard.

These factors justify why native plants

deserve a spot in every home. With the

right set of greens present in a space,

not only would it result in a charming

curb appeal, as

it will also

contribute

more to the

ecosystem.

Resources:

http://oakleighmanor.com/

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/pr

ofile?pid=848

http://www.edenproject.com/blo

g/index.php/2012/07/10-british-

trees-to-grow-in-your-garden/