Why gardening with native plants is the best

Gardening with flowers, shrubs and trees that are native to your area has many advantages. Here are five reasons to add more native plants to your yard or balcony.

1. NATIVE PLANTS REQUIRE LESS WATERING: Using plants adapted to your local climate means less watering, especially in drought-prone areas and during the crazy heat waves many of us have been experiencing the past several years. Native plants are species that have adapted to native insects and soils, so they generally don't need chemical pesticides and fertilizers to protect and feed them.

2. NATIVE PLANTS ARE BEST FOR LOCAL BEES AND BUTTERFLIES: Birds use native plants for food, like seeds and berries, and shelter. Native plants also attract many insects, which pollinate your flowers and are an important food source for birds. Butterflies rely on specific native host plants as larval hosts; many butterfly caterpillars will only eat a few species of plants.

3. NATIVE PLANTS TRUMP INVASIVES: Gardening with native plants can prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plant species in your yard and garden. Many invasive species have been intentionally introduced as gardening plants. Unfortunately, the same characteristics that make a low-maintenance garden plant -- hardy, fast-growing and easy to care for -- often allow that plant to grow in natural areas and replace native vegetation.

4. NATIVE GARDENS ARE UNIQUE: Most people head to their local garden centre and buy the same types of flowers and shrubs no matter where they live. While this makes it easier for big box retailers to uniformly stock their shelves, this is why gardens across the country often end up looking the same. Choosing native plants allows you to appreciate the unique landscape of your area, whether it's a colourful prairie in the summer or woodland ephemerals in the spring.

5. NATIVE PLANTS ARE HANDY: Native plants can be used in virtually any style of garden, from a formal modern landscape to a country cottage garden. In many parts of the country, you can even replace your lawn with native grasses that hardly ever need to be mowed!

So, how do you get started?

Go for a walk and see what grows in nearby natural areas. Grab a wildflower guide or take photos and do some detective work online when you get home. Local conservation and horticultural groups often have helpful tips and resources.

Then visit a local nursery that specializes in native plants. To find one close to you, check out the North American Native Plant Society's list. If your local garden centres don't carry native plants, ask them to start stocking them on their shelves next spring.

And remember, native plants aren't only the best for you and your garden, they're BFFs for all of the butterflies, bees and birds that visit your yard.

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