Native plants are species that have evolved in specific regions over thousands of years, adapting to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by providing essential food and shelter for wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to various environmental benefits.

There are countless reasons to buy native plants for your garden. Here are just a few:

Thriving in Your Environment: Native plants are perfectly adapted to your region's climate, soil conditions, and rainfall patterns. This translates to less maintenance for you, as they require little extra watering or fertilizer once established.

A Haven for Wildlife: Native plants have coevolved with local wildlife, providing essential food sources like nectar, pollen, and fruits. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and birds rely on these plants for survival, and including them in your garden creates a vibrant pollinator garden.

Promoting Biodiversity: Native plant communities support a wider variety of wildlife compared to non-native species. This biodiversity is crucial for a healthy ecosystem, promoting natural pest control and maintaining a balanced environment.

Beauty with Benefits: Native plants come in a stunning array of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering a visual feast for the eyes. From vibrant wildflowers to graceful ferns, you can create a beautiful garden that's also good for the environment.

Water Conservation: Native plants are naturally water-efficient, requiring less watering than their non-native counterparts. This translates to lower water bills for you and reduced pressure on local water resources.

Erosion Control: Native plants with deep root systems help prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or hillsides.

It is a common misconception that native plants are hard to grow. In reality, native plants are often easier to grow because they are adapted to local soil, climate, and pests. They typically require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native species, making them a practical choice for sustainable gardening.

Plus, it's never been easier to find the right plant for the right place. When you order pollinator-safe native plants from gardenforwildlife.com, all you have to do is enter your zip and we'll show you which plants are native to your region and ready to ship. Just pick your plants and our nearest grower will pack up your order and ship them directly to your doorstep.

One of the most pervasive myths is that native plants are wild, unkempt, and unattractive compared to ornamental garden plants. However, native plants can be just as beautiful and diverse in color, form, and texture as non-native species. Many native plants have striking blooms, interesting foliage, and seasonal changes that add aesthetic value to any garden. For instance, species like the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and orange butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) offer vibrant colors and attract pollinators, enhancing the garden's beauty and ecological function.

Some people believe that native plants attract more pests than non-native plants. While native plants do support a variety of insects, this is actually a benefit rather than a drawback. Native plants form the basis of local food webs, providing essential resources for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. By supporting a healthy insect population, native plants contribute to a balanced ecosystem where natural predators help keep pest populations in check.

There is also a misconception that non-native plants (like the butterfly bush) can provide the same benefits for wildlife as native plants. While some exotic plants do offer food and shelter for wildlife, native plants are far superior in this regard. Native plants have co-evolved with local wildlife and provide the specific resources that local animals need to thrive. For example, the monarch butterfly relies on native milkweed species for laying its eggs and feeding its caterpillars.