The Importance of Using Native Plants in Your Landscaping
by Clarence Washington
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kkennedy/2920250663
The natives are getting restless. And with good reason! They're being crowded out by invasive plants and flowers imported here from Asia and Europe. The name "Florida" comes from the Spanish word "florido," meaning "flowery" or "full of flowers." So why feel the need to import invasive flowers to our landscape? You have 2,800 native species to choose from to decorate your yard.
Source: https://www.needpix.com/photo/275314/butterfly-pea-flower-clitoria-ternatea-blue
Native plants are those that were here before the first Spanish settlers arrived in the 1500s. In an environment that's as demanding and unique as Florida's, they're vital to preserving the ecosystem. The natives feed the bees that in turn, feed us. Before you prepare this year's spring garden, take a look at the compelling reasons to go native.
NATIVE PLANTS USE LESS WATER
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Avicennia_germinans-flowers2.jpg
Saving our most precious resource is the most convincing reason to choose native species. Every part of a native plant has evolved to help that plant prosper on rainwater. The leaves, stems, blossoms, and root systems of native species are fine-tuned to suit your yard. All that means less watering and more harmony with local insects and weather patterns. Yes, they'll need some water while getting established, but most will thrive without extra irrigation.
LESS MAINTENANCE
Indigenous plants will save you time and money. They've been growing for centuries without any help from us, and they'll continue to do so with very little maintenance.
Native species succeed in the local hardiness heat zone. For Floridians, this means they're primed for moisture and high temperatures. Local plants can grow strong and healthy with little effort. They're also more resistant to native pests, fungus, and disease. To top it all off, you won't be wasting time and money fertilizing.
Native species succeed in the local hardiness heat zone. For Floridians, this means they're primed for moisture and high temperatures. Local plants can grow strong and healthy with little effort. They're also more resistant to native pests, fungus, and disease. To top it all off, you won't be wasting time and money fertilizing.
NATIVE FLORA ATTRACTS NATIVE FAUNA
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palpada_albifrons,_Eco_Pond,_Everglades_National_Park,_Homestead,_Florida.jpg
The insects, animals, and plants in the Everglades work together to sustain their environment. When planning your landscape, use this natural balance to your advantage. Planting native flowers will attract native bees and other pollinators necessary for our fruits and vegetables. Native plants and bugs will then attract predators like birds and small animals. Those predators play a role in reducing pests and broadcasting seed. Encouraging these symbiotic relationships is one way to preserve the environment.
NON-NATIVE PLANTS POSE RISKS
While native plants can protect themselves from some of nature's problems, they can't protect themselves from invasive species. The ghost orchid, pitcher plant, and wild columbine are among plants on the endangered list. They're among hundreds of natives that can't compete with the invasives for sun, water, and nutrients. When a plant species enters a new environment, a lack of predators or disease can allow it to take over.
Brazilian Pepper Tree. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brazilian_Pepper_(5625158225).jpg
It is now illegal in Florida to import or plant some invasives such as skunkvine, Brazilian pepper, water hyacinth, Japanese honeysuckle and other invasives considered noxious weeds. But many other intruders are discouraged, but not banned.
By gardening responsibly, you can protect endangered and threatened plants. Avoid those exotic plants that may look attractive, but bring a host of problems to your yard and the Florida ecosystem. Before shopping for plants, flowers, or trees, check the list of invasive species.
Don't depend on the nursery to sell only native. You have thousands of gorgeous options that will attract local wildlife and protect Florida's environment. After planting that Southern magnolia, passion flower or swamp sunflower, offer cuttings to your neighbors, so their garden will also be eco-friendly.
By gardening responsibly, you can protect endangered and threatened plants. Avoid those exotic plants that may look attractive, but bring a host of problems to your yard and the Florida ecosystem. Before shopping for plants, flowers, or trees, check the list of invasive species.
Don't depend on the nursery to sell only native. You have thousands of gorgeous options that will attract local wildlife and protect Florida's environment. After planting that Southern magnolia, passion flower or swamp sunflower, offer cuttings to your neighbors, so their garden will also be eco-friendly.
CLARENCE WASHINGTON is a longtime landscaper sold on native plants and biodiversity. His backyard is a certified wildlife habitat.
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