You may be asking yourself a few questions. What’s all the fuss about native plants? What makes them better than non-native species? Why should I go to all the trouble of replacing my current non-native plants? To answer these questions and more, let’s start at the very beginning… a very good place to start.

Pangea. All life, flora and fauna, coexisting on a single enormous land mass. OK, maybe we shouldn’t start at the VERY beginning. Let’s jump forward a couple hundred million years. Once that incredible supercontinent broke apart, life was split into truly separate areas. Few animals could span the oceans and cover whole continents, and plants had an even harder time of it. Thus, life evolved in different ways in different areas of the globe. But then, we came along. Homosapiens. The ultimate explorer, usurper, annihilator. Humans eventually took to the seas, with ships that eventually reached massive proportions (I mean, have you SEEN those Royal Caribbean monsters?). Ocean voyages suddenly allowed all kinds of life to be transported around the world. Enter the invasive species. They overtake habitats, potentially wreaking havoc on local wildlife. So, what can you do?

Plant native, of course! Plants that spent the last 150 million years right here in North America! That may be laying it on a little thick, but you get the idea, right? Plants that have evolved alongside the other native species in our environment are inherently better for the overall health of the ecosystem.

And here’s why. First and foremost, native species use less water. Being well adapted to the soil, their root systems store water more efficiently. Native species are also known to be hardier and less susceptible to disease, meaning they take less care. Less of your time having to worry about trimming and pruning and shaping and cutting and mowing and on and on. That also means you’re using less fertilizer and less pesticides, which is obviously better for local wildlife. Better for your checkbook, too! And better for your soul, your conscience. It is for mine, at least. Because native plants are best for the local insects and animals. Flowering natives are havens for local pollinators. Bumblebees and butterflies will flock to your native flower garden. Birds benefit greatly from native plants, not only eating seeds and berries, but also feasting on insects that have been attracted to the native plant. A myriad of animals make their homes in, under, around, and using material of native plant species. They’re just downright good for the environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and plant some native plants. Put pots out on your fire escape or front stoop. Let the local pollinators and wildlife know there’s room at the table for everyone. Plant something that you know is happy in its surroundings. OK, it may be a stretch to say you can tell a plant feels good. But it ought to feel good. Its ancestors grew up here, too.