Using Native Plants in Landscaping

Should you go on an inquisitive endeavor asking homeowners why they chose the particular plants they did for their landscaping, you may find that the majority of them did not use native plants at all. This is probably the most common factor in nearly all of their landscapes simply because they did not research which native plants would grow well in their surrounding environment.

Why? The most common ideas people get in their heads when choosing plants for their landscaping are aesthetics, bird or butterfly themes, color or non-color themes, or low maintenance. Had these homeowners chose native plants for their landscaping their water bills and maintenance would be much more appealing to their monthly budgets. This is not to say you cannot have any of these particular themes.

Aesthetics ranks as the top reason why most homeowners choose the plants found in their landscaping. There is nothing wrong with this, but the question still remains, "Are these native plants to this area?"

Using native plants in landscaping not only can be more appealing to the viewer, but it can also improve the soil conditions. Some flowers, such as lupines, provide extra nitrogen to the surrounding soil for other plants to use when they either while they are growing, go dormant or die out. Farmers in Texas use bluebonnets to improve their soil for future crops of corn, wheat, barley and other such needed staples. This is one of many thoughts to think about when choosing native plants.

Invasive bushes or trees are good as a border to a large lot when one does not want to install a fence line. Even ferns can provide a dense forest if they are native to your area. Those pretty Autumn ferns you see at the nursery garden may seem inviting to plant in your yard, but do you really want to be digging up its buddies in later years? When it comes right down to it, you not only want to choose native plants, but also those that you are willing to put up with, too.

Native plants can also save your home by holding the soil together instead of having all that topsoil wash off out into the street or onto your sidewalk. Groundcovers such as Irish moss or thyme are sturdy plants that will keep your soil from slipping away, and possibly cause foundation damage. Typically bushes or trees are planted near the edge of homes. This is actually not a good idea. Their roots, and vines, can end up damaging the foundation. Location of native plants around your home can either be beneficial or detrimental to it.

Of course it is also wise to think about the type of sun conditions around your home. An example of this would be growing begonias and African violets. Larger varieties of begonias can survive in almost complete shade while others do well in morning or evening sun. African violets need 10 hours of sun a day in moderate sun conditions. Constant high temperatures will burn them up. Therefore, it is wise to research each and every native plant well for their safety.

The best reasons for planting native plants among your landscape is to increase their survival rate, reduce monthly maintenance, decrease water usage, and to have plants for each season of the year. Your native plants will love your for it because they will be able to stand up to the common diseases plagued among non-native plants. There will be no more worrying about bag or grub worms, moths, etc. With the right native plants in your landscaping, you will see a great change in your wildlife habitat, too.