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It’s time to Take a Hike! There are myriad restorative health benefits to spending time in nature. All the wonder and splendor of Earth are there for you to enjoy! But, it’s only fair that we return the favor and give nature a boost by growing native plants!
Recent studies conducted in England suggest that spending just 2 hours a week in nature has a positive effect on both health and well-being. Physical benefits of being in nature include lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. There are mental benefits as well, like increased cognitive function and decreases in depression and anxiety.
These are all great reasons to get outside! But, what exactly makes being in nature so beneficial? What is nature? Nature refers to outdoor spaces where one can experience elements like plants, trees, sunlight, fresh air, and natural sounds. If you live in the city, you may be missing out on some of these elements. Even if you live in a small town or suburban neighborhood you can be missing out. This is why it’s crucial to create a natural landscape by planting natives.
In your yard, garden, or patio containers, native plants are important for sustaining local biodiversity. When you plant natives, everyone benefits. And even if you think you’re not a gardener, Native Plant Gardening for Beginners by Haeley Giambalvo can help!
Because native plants make nature, well, nature!
Why Natives Give Nature a Boost
- Native plants are adapted to and help maintain local climate and soil conditions.
- Native plants encourage the success of local flora and fauna.
- Native plants enhance biodiversity and create a beautiful natural landscape.
Custom Made for Local Conditions
Native plants are species of plants that grow naturally within a particular region. It may seem obvious, but native plants grow and thrive because they are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This means they will require less resources to sustain their growth.
Garden centers often have a special section of native plants available for you to choose. These plants are ready-made for your region. For example, the Texas Sage is excellent for the drier regions of the southwest. This sage is a fragrant shrub that has lovely silvery foliage. In the normal dry weather, the shrub is covered with dazzling lavender flowers that are a beacon to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. But, in wet conditions the plants can die.
Just the Right Amount
Americans use a whopping 8 BILLION gallons of water per day watering their lawns and landscaping. Lawns planted with sod and other non-native grasses, like bermuda, st. augustine, or rye, tends to need a lot of water to stay green. Native plants conserve water because they evolved to succeed in the localized climate.
In dry climates, native plants have adaptations that conserve water, like thick, waxy leaves or deep taproots. Plants that evolved in wetter climates tend to have large leaves for evaporation and respiration making them more efficient at using all that water for photosynthesis. All that to say, native plants are built to thrive on naturally occurring rain water and precipitation.
Local Soil has the Right Stuff
Native plants’ nutrient needs match what’s available in the local environment. Soil compositions vary from place to place, so their natural nutrient levels are unique. For example, some soils may be low in certain minerals, like phosphorus or calcium, or rich in others. Because of this variability, farmers and gardeners use fertilizers so their plants can get the nutrients they need.
A wonderful example is the black-eyed susan. These small rays of sunshine thrive in soils that are lower in nutrients and organic matter. They can live happily in these more barren conditions because they have extensive root systems. The roots help them access nutrients deeper in the soil. Essentially, native plants do not need as much fertilizer or other chemical growth enhancers because their chemistry is adapted to the local soil where they can get the nutrients they need.
A Whole World Beneath the Surface
Soil microorganisms, like fungi (mycorrhizae) and bacteria form beneficial relationships with native plants. For example, some plants thrive in acidic soils, while others do well in alkaline conditions. Complex metabolic activities of microorganisms and plants work together to balance the soil’s pH range. These relationships can also improve the plants’ ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. They rely on each other for survival.
Friends with Foes
Another advantage that native plants have over non-natives is that they are more resistant to local pests. So, you guessed it, they will need less pesticides. This is because over time, they have developed physical and chemical defenses that deter pests. Plants may have tough leaves, thorns, or natural compounds that repel insects. Additionally, native plants often support populations of beneficial insects, such as predators and pollinators, which help control pest populations.
Custom Made Homes for Wildlife
Native plants are vital for wildlife habitats because they provide essential food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for local animals, birds, and insects. These plants have evolved alongside native fauna. Truly, natives create custom made habitats for native wildlife. If you have native plants there will be a balanced ecosystem where species rely on each other for survival.
Native plants are like a grocery store with wildlife. They produce nectar, seeds, and fruits that serve as food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as for birds and mammals. They also offer shelter and breeding grounds, such as dense shrubs for nesting birds or ground cover for small mammals and reptiles. By supporting a diverse range of species, native plants help maintain healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Important pollinators rely on native plants for their life cycles by providing the needed habitat to mate, lay eggs, feed young, and stay hidden from predators. Some wildlife are so adapted to native plants they can only survive when those species are present. Learn more about how monarch butterflies must have milkweed for their life cycle in this post.
Custom Landscapes Made by Mother Earth
You know those benefits you get from spending time outside? Decreased blood pressure, anxiety, and depression can be a result of being surrounded by the natural landscape. Native plants increase biodiversity and create that beautiful natural landscape. Actually, native plants play a crucial role in increasing biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for a wide variety of local wildlife.
Their deep-rooted connection to regional ecosystems means that they support native insects, birds, and other animals that have evolved alongside them. By incorporating native plants into landscapes, you create environments where diverse species can thrive! You promote ecological balance and resilience. This helps to maintain a vibrant ecosystem! Every species, from soil microbes to larger predators, has a role, contributing to the overall health and stability of the environment.
Not as Friendly Non-natives
Non-native plants were likely introduced for landscaping purposes and have little value for wildlife in terms of providing habitat functions. Here are a few problems that non-native plants can create in a local ecosystem:
- Non-native plants can become invasive and decrease populations of native species.
- Non-native plants may require more input of resources for their growth. For example, more water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
- Non-native plants may not host native insects which serve as pollinators for native species therefore decreasing biodiversity.
Nature Gives Your a Boost, Give Back with Native Plants
We are gifted by nature daily! Our food, shelter, and clothing are all courtesy of the amazing plants and animals that create the landscape. Not only are our physical needs met by the land, but our mental and spiritual needs can be nurtured as well. By choosing native plants for landscaping or restoration, you can conserve water, reduce the need for pesticides, and foster a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem. Be more outdoors! Talk to your local garden center and plant some natives to give nature a boost! Embark, Explore, and Enjoy!
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