Why Local Plants are Important for Your Garden and Water Features
Gardeners are becoming more and more aware of the importance of incorporating local plants into their gardens and water features. Working with nature instead of against it helps promote biodiversity while supporting the local wildlife and ecosystem. A new term called “naturescaping” popped up as people started landscaping with native plants instead of more popular and exotic plants found in nurseries. Local plants are essential for your garden to protect the ecosystem where you live; it all starts with the plants and works its way up to the mammals.
What is a Local Plant and Why Do They Matter in Your Garden or Water Feature?
Local plants are the flora indigenous to where you live. While the plants you see at the nursery may be native to North America, the plants you would find naturally in Southern California are going to be different than the ones found in Maine or New York. Native plants are often called “weeds” or are replaced in the garden with “industrial plants” from other climate zones and areas that are more marketable. Some of these exotic plants can be invasive and disrupt the local environment. Many of these “weeds” are actually very colorful and beautiful, adding to your garden’s aesthetic while attracting butterflies, bees, and birds that provide food and shelter.
Native Gardening Around Water Features
Natural habitats are being destroyed as lands are turned into urban developments or farms. The indigenous plants are the critical pillar of the ecosystem for not just the insects, but also the birds and small animals which feed the larger mammals. Many insects are selective and may only eat one specific plant, like the Monarch Butterfly that solely feeds on Milkweed. If Milkweed were to die out, so would the Monarch.
Adding native plants around a pond, fountain, or other water feature helps people live harmoniously with nature, reducing human impact while creating a more balanced backyard habitat.
How Native Plants and Water Gardens Support The Food Chain
When you think of plants and the role they play in the ecosystem and the food chain, typically insects are the first critters to come to mind. They rely on plants for food in the form of nectar, pollen, leaves, fruits, and seeds. These insects are often food for smaller animals like frogs, birds, or mice, which are food for larger animals. Adding these native plants supports the entire food chain of your local area.
When planted near water features, native plants also encourage frogs, fish, and pollinators that thrive in aquatic and semi-aquatic spaces.
Easy Ways to Incorporate Native Plants in the Gardens and Water Features
The idea of native gardening can be a hotly disputed topic among gardeners, but it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing concept. You can incorporate native plants into your garden, while still having the more traditional and exotic plants that are popular. Add native plants into the perimeter of the garden and pond, while placing the exotic plants by the house and in areas that you frequent, so you can see them more often.
Native plant nurseries are becoming more popular. You may be able to find one in your area. You can also explore fun upcycling ideas like DIY plant labels to help keep track of your native and exotic additions.
Local Plants are Easier
Local plants are already adapted to the local climate and soil conditions of your area. There’s a reason that these plants are native; they’ve evolved over the years to the unique climate. When you introduce plants from different hardiness zones, they require extra care to thrive out of their natural environment. Gardening with local plants can help to make your garden and water feature areas lower maintenance.
Sustainability in Gardening and Water Features with Native Plants
Native plants need less fertilizer, pesticides, and water, and they can help prevent erosion according to the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Gardeners are incorporating more sustainable gardening practices as we grow more aware of our growing impact on our local environments.
If you live in an area prone to flooding and heavy rainfall, native plants will be more useful in absorbing the water than an exotic plant from a dryer region. Around ponds and fountains, these plants can help regulate moisture while adding to your landscape design.
Wildflowers
Native plants are often labeled “weeds” and seen as less desirable than traditional gardening plants. Many local plants are beautiful, adding color to the garden while promoting and preserving biodiversity. Indigenous plants make your garden unique.
When you travel around the world, many gardens have the same plants, the ones easily found at hardware stores. By planting local and native plants, especially around water features, you can celebrate your local culture and environment. These plants help your garden stand out and connect to your specific region.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating local plants into your garden and water features helps support wildlife and promote biodiversity. Natural habitats are being damaged as we expand urban areas and farmland, putting indigenous plants at risk. If native plants go extinct, so do the insects and birds that used them for survival.
Local plants can be just as colorful and beautiful as the traditional plants seen in nurseries, but they are better suited for your climate and soil conditions. Next time you want to add plants to your garden, consider naturescaping and pairing native plants with a water feature for a sustainable and stunning retreat.
Ready to create your own water garden oasis? Explore our Backyard Blog for DIY water feature ideas and product tips.
