Monday, March 2, 2015
There are many reasons why you may want to plant a native garden this year. The most common reasons why people do it are:
- Native plants are more readily available. Because they grow naturally in your area, you may even be able to dig up some plants you find in your neighbor’s yard or the local park – with permission, of course.
- They are usually less expensive. If you do have to purchase them, native plants will cost less than plants that need to be shipped in from other areas. Remember, you will be skipping all those hidden transportation price increases by avoiding imported plants.
- They are very low maintenance. Native plants are used to the conditions in which they grow. They thrive without much care needed. In fact, a lot of native plants will propagate on their own making your garden fuller without much input from you.
- By sticking with native plants, you will avoid the possibility of introducing foreign pests or insects onto your property. Plants that are imported can carry bugs or disease that could be detrimental to the rest of your garden. Keeping your garden local will keep it safe.
- …and they look beautiful! Having a lush, native garden can really make your yard look fantastic without much effort on your part. Some great natives to try are the Purple Cone Flower, Pale Spiked Lobelia, American Filbert, and Wild Geraniums.
Planting trees, shrubs and flowers around your property can be a great way to keep water away from your basement or crawlspace as well. The roots help sop up excess rainwater or run off that could otherwise end up flooding your home. You can look at your beautiful garden as a wonderful and beautiful way to protect your home from water damage!