Virginia is home to a wide variety of native plants, many of which are perfect for adding beauty and interest to your home landscape. Not only will you be helping Virginia's wildlife by planting natives, but you'll also enjoy the benefits of having low-maintenance plants adapted to our state's climate and soil conditions.
1. Does it matter what kind of plants I buy for my garden in Virginia?
When you plant, plant with a purpose. Virginia native plants are a great addition to any garden. They are typically hardy and low maintenance, and they can provide a beautiful and naturalistic setting. However, when choosing Virginia native plants for sale, you should consider the climate and the amount of sunlight that your garden receives.
Virginia is in the southeastern United States and has a humid subtropical climate. This means that Virginia generally has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Additionally, Virginia receives a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year. As a result, Virginia native plants that are adapted to these conditions will typically do well in local gardens. You’ll just need to do a little research on how to plant native plants, so they thrive.
When browsing Virginia native plants for sale, look for plants tolerant of heat and humidity, and choose plants that will thrive in your garden's particular light conditions. If you have a full sun garden, there are Virginia native plants that will do well in that type of environment, and the same is true for part-shade or full-shade gardens.
2. Are gardens with native plants messy and untidy?
They don't have to be! It all depends on your preference. There is a misconception that gardens with native plants are messy or untidy. This can be because native plants are often found growing in areas that are not regularly manicured, such as roadside ditches and forest edges. So it’s easy to get used to the idea that native plant gardening is intrinsically untidy.
However, you can create neatly manicured gardens that are both beautiful and modern using Virginia native plants like oxeye sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), orange butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata).
With the diverse selection of Virginia native plants available, you have plenty of options to craft the garden of your dreams. Whether you lean towards a more natural, untamed look or prefer structured symmetry and clean lines, there are native plants perfectly suited to your taste. Embrace the beauty of Virginia's native flora and enhance your garden with a touch of local charm!
3. Do I have to get rid of my lawn?
Yes and no. Many Virginia homeowners are reconsidering the traditional lawn and moving towards more sustainable, low-maintenance solutions. Lawns can be time-consuming and expensive to maintain, and they often require the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, lawns are typically composed of non-native grasses that need a lot of water and special care to thrive.
As Virginia residents become more aware of these issues, many are choosing to replace their lawns with Virginia native plants. Virginia native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil, requiring very little water and maintenance once established. Additionally, Virginia native plants support local wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other creatures.
To prepare for planting in the ground or in a garden bed, you will need to remove any lawn or weeds and break up the soil. Many native species can also be planted in containers if you have limited space or want to avoid removing the lawn.
4. What is threatening native pollinators and native plants?
Virginia's ecosystems are under threat from many different factors. Habitat loss is one of the most significant threats. As human development continues to encroach on natural areas, native flora and fauna are being pushed out of their habitats.
Pesticides and herbicides are also harming Virginia's native plants. These chemicals can kill or damage native plants and harm the pollinators that depend on these plants for food and cover. Climate change is also a major threat to Virginia's native plants. As the climate continues to warm, Virginia's native plants will be forced to adapt to new conditions.
Finally, invasive, non-native plants are also a threat to Virginia's native species. These invaders can outcompete native plants for resources, causing them to decline in numbers. This poses a serious danger to both plants and the animals that depend on them.
Native plants are essential to your state's ecosystems, and we must do everything we can to protect them. You can help by planting Virginia natives in your own garden! Virginia natives are beautiful, hardy, and easy to care for — and they support Virginia's wildlife. By planting Virginia natives, you can help keep your local pollinators healthy and restore biodiversity to your local ecosystem.