Wildfire Resistance
Fire has been a part of nature’s cycle since the beginning of time. It’s nature’s way of removing excess underbrush and debris. In return, the forest is rewarded with increased access to sunlight and nutrient-enhanced soil. But in our modern world, wildfire has ravaged landscapes, endangering wildlife and structures in its path. As we watch the recovery from these devastating fires, the first thing we see emerge is the native plants. In fact, oftentimes, they suffer minimal damage, thriving in the face of adversity. The same is true in your yard. Native plants are fire resistant, therefore they are less likely to burn and more likely to return quickly if they do suffer damage.
The Problems With Non-Native Plants
Lower Chemical Usage
Trying to grow a lemon tree in the arctic is a futile effort. It seems rather obvious the time and effort wouldn’t be worth it. However, in a less overt way, we do the same thing in yards around the country by selecting non-native plants for our flowerbeds. In short, non-native plants are more difficult to successfully grow and keep healthy. They struggle to thrive and consume excessive resources in the effort. So while they may suit the look you’re trying to achieve, planting non- native equates to heightened investments for care and maintenance. On the other side of the equation, native plants enhance your landscape in a variety of ways.
Once you understand the relationship between native plants and their natural environment, it’s easy to see why fertilizers and insecticides aren’t necessary. Native plants enhance the soil through decomposition rather than relying on fertilizer enhancements. Pesticides are rarely necessary because native plants maintain balance with pests like rodents, bugs, weeds, and diseases. Eliminating chemicals from your garden should be a top priority given the overwhelming evidence of the ways they contribute to environmental, animal, and human ailments. Native plants are the answer.
Water Conservation
Native plants offer the highest level of water conservation. Since they establish easily and thrive in the existing soil, native plants require little, if any, supplemental watering. That saves you both time and money.
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July 2023
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