Native Plants
Native Plants
Why do we like to plant natives?? Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in a specific region, to be well-adapted to a variety of conditions in New Jersey and within specific ecosystems amongst other plants and animals. These plants, when situated in the proper environment, support their ecosystems more diversely than exotic plantings. While many homeowners have incorporated flowering plants in their landscapes to attract certain birds and butterflies, the habitat needed to support insect life is greatly needed.
Native plants help conserve and filter water, provide habitat for native wildlife, protect soil resources, and reduce the costs and environmental impacts associated with fertilizers and pesticides.
Why plant natives in your yard?
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Hardy, low-maintenance native plants save time and money. Native plants are well-adapted to our local climate and soil and have natural defenses to plant diseases, harmful insects, and other pests. When the right native is planted in the right place, it will thrive with minimal care. Once established, native plants flourish with normal rainfall and need little, if any, additional watering. Save money on fertilizers and pesticides too – native plants grow well with minimal fertilization and are less likely to develop pest problems requiring treatment.
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Native plants attract and support wildlife. If you enjoy watching birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, native plants will bring them into your yard. Because native animals evolved together with native plants, they depend on them for essential food, shelter, and nesting sites. New Jersey, the most densely populated state, has lost a considerable amount of wildlife habitat. Native plants in your yard can create new habitat to help balance the loss. Plant a variety of native plants to provide year-round sources of nectar, seeds, and fruits and diverse types of cover for wildlife.
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Native plants improve water quality. Native plant roots help prevent erosion by holding soil in place, increase infiltration of rainwater into the ground, and filter pollutants like lawn chemicals from the water. Since native plants lessen the need to apply fertilizers and pesticides, they keep our water cleaner and healthier by reducing the amount of pollution that rainwater runoff can carry into our waterways.
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Native plants work in all garden designs. When considering native plants, think about more than just wildflower meadows. There are native plants perfect for foundation beds, shrub borders, specimen trees, ground covers, water gardens, woodland edges, and more. No matter what your garden style, informal or formal, you can find a variety of beautiful native plants to grow in your yard.


