The trend towards selecting native plants for our landscapes this year is gaining momentum and for good reason. Our biological systems on earth have been greatly stressed, exploited and destroyed which leaves us with a questionable future. Consequently, using natives as an alternative to lawns or in garden beds is worth considering and the benefits are plentiful.
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First, because native species are those indigenous to a specific region, it means that they possess certain traits that have allowed them to adapt to their climate. This translates into them being more likely to thrive in their geographical region as compared to non-native plants. Native plants also save energy and reduce pollution because they have no need for lawn maintenance equipment. Whereas non-native plants tend to be high maintenance, depending on insecticides and plenty of
water in order to survive, which puts a huge strain on our ecosystem, once native plants are well established, they need little watering. They also have no use for
pesticides because they attract beneficial insects that take care of the ‘bad guys’ who reap havoc on non-native plant material.
Native plants promote biodiversity by providing shelter and food to mammals, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. In today’s world, animal habitats are increasingly being lost to developing what was once untouched land.
By using native plants, you’ll be learning about a wide and magnificent array of flowers, bushes and trees that are part of your local history as well as spending less time maintaining your property. And finally and perhaps most importantly, you’ll be helping to improve the eco-system on our earth.
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Go Native: Created on December 27th, 2009. Last Modified on December 28th, 2009
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About Fran Sorin
Fran Sorin, an author, broadcaster, journalist and nationally known gardening expert is changing how people perceive gardening. Her multi-media exposure reflects her philosophy that gardening is a process that can teach individuals how to live more meaningful, creative, healthy and spiritual lives.
Fran is the author of Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening published by Hachette. She is the Gardening Correspondent for CBS Radio News where her features are heard several times a week on CBS stations nationwide. Fran is also is the GardenSmart columnist for USA Weekend magazine, reaching close to 50 million readers. She has been a Regular Contributor on The Today Show and has made appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly, CNN, HGTV, Discovery, DIY, Comcast and NBC10 in Philadelphia. Fran has hosted a gardening call-in talk radio show on a CBS affiliate in Philadelphia. Fran is the co-creator and manager of www.GardeningGoneWild.com, a highly respected and trafficked blog. See www.FranSorin.com for more gardening information and more about Fran.
