The use of native plants is a rising trend in landscape design today. There are many reasons for this but before getting into that, it’s important to understand what is meant by the term “native plants”. Native plants are those that have grown naturally in a specific geographical region and which have been there for a very long time. In other words, they are not plants that were brought to a place by humans. In many parts of the world, trying to decide which plants are native to a region and which were imported can be difficult. In this country, it is much easier. Those plants that were here before the arrival of the European colonists are native. It's that simple. If you want to know more about the specific plants, ask a professional landscaper.

Why Use Native Plants? 

Native plants have evolved over many centuries and have adapted to thrive in their natural environments. Not only that, the inherent strength of these plants means that they are also better equipped to deal with the effects of climate change which negatively impacts plants that have been brought to a region because of human migration and inhabitation.

Native Plants:

• Reduce Water Use: Because these plants have adapted to the environment they grow in, they are used to existing with the available water. That means that hardly any additional watering is required which in turn means less work for you and less expense in terms of higher water bills or, in some cases, the cost of installing an irrigation system.
• Withstand Environmental Changes: Native plants can withstand environmental vagaries better than those that are not native. This means that they can survive harsh conditions and grow back the next year. Once again, this means less labor and you also save time as you will not have to replant after a bad year.
• Require Little Maintenance: These plants are normally more resistant to drought, disease, and other environmental risk factors. Many species can spread quickly and by doing so help to crowd out weeds from appearing in the garden.

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Also Read: Simple Eco-Friendly Landscaping Practices - Benefits of Native Plants

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• Help Prevent Soil Erosion and Waterlogging: Many species of native plants grow in a manner that holds soil in place and also protects the earth from waterlogging.
• Are Not Generally Invasive: Invasive plants can prevent the growth of other plants in the garden. This makes landscaping very difficult and increases the need for constant watchfulness to ensure that the landscape is not damaged. Most native plants are not invasive and will allow other plants to grow unimpeded. Being non-invasive also means that maintaining open spaces in the yard is not a problem.
• Require Little or No Fertilizers or Pesticides: Because these plants have adapted to their environment, they rarely need fertilizers. This makes it easier to keep the garden organic and is also a money saver. Native plants are also able to protect themselves against insects, fungi, and diseases. The built-in defense mechanism means that little or no pesticides need to be used to protect these plants – another money saver.

Having native plants in your garden makes sense for so many reasons. Finding out which of the plants will work well together and create the right look for the landscape requires expert knowledge. Contact your local professional landscaping company and talk to them about using native plants. It's good for you, for your landscape, for the environment, and for your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are native plants?

Native plants are species that have naturally grown in a particular geographic area for centuries without human intervention. They are adapted to the climate, soil, and environmental conditions of their region.

2. Why should I use native plants in my garden?

Native plants require less water, maintenance, and no fertilizers or pesticides, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for landscaping. They also help prevent soil erosion and are more resilient to climate changes.

3. Do native plants need a lot of watering?

No, native plants are naturally adapted to the available water in their environment, so they require minimal watering. This helps save time, money, and water resources compared to non-native plants.

4. Are native plants invasive?

Most native plants are not invasive. They allow other plants to grow unimpeded, which makes landscaping much easier and more sustainable.

5. How do native plants help with environmental changes?

Native plants have evolved to thrive in their natural environments and are more resilient to environmental stresses like drought, disease, and climate change. This makes them a more sustainable choice for landscaping compared to non-native species.

6. Can native plants help reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides?

Yes! Since native plants have adapted to their environment over centuries, they rarely require fertilizers or pesticides to thrive. This helps create an organic and low-maintenance garden.

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