The Science of Our Native Plants: Beyond Beauty

Native plants, those that evolved alongside the local ecosystem, hold a secret weapon – perfect adaptation. Science reveals a fascinating interplay between these plants and their environment, leading to a harmonious and flourishing existence.

Why Native Plants?

One key advantage is their co-evolution with pollinators. Over millennia, flowers and their pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.) have developed a delicate dance. Native flowers produce nectar and pollen specifically suited to attract these local pollinators, ensuring efficient reproduction for both. This intricate relationship, unlike the gamble with non-native plants, guarantees a thriving pollinator population, crucial for overall ecosystem health.

Beyond the flowers, root systems play a vital role. Native plants have root structures specifically adapted to the local soil conditions. This allows them to access water and nutrients more efficiently, reducing their reliance on irrigation and fertilizers. Additionally, these deep roots help prevent soil erosion, a significant environmental concern.

Native plants are also champions of fostering healthy soil ecosystems. Their roots create a haven for beneficial microbes and fungi, which break down organic matter, releasing vital nutrients back into the soil. This symbiotic relationship creates a fertile and healthy environment for the entire plant community.

The science extends to pest resistance. Native plants have developed natural defenses against local herbivores (insects that eat plants) over time. These defenses may include physical characteristics like thorns or chemical compounds that deter these pests. This reduces the need for pesticides, promoting a cleaner environment.

Finally, native plants are champions of biodiversity. They provide food and shelter for a wide range of local wildlife, from insects and birds to larger mammals. This creates a rich tapestry of life, with each species playing a vital role in the ecosystem's balance.

Native plants aren't just aesthetically pleasing additions to your garden; they're the backbone of a healthy ecosystem, playing a vital role in everything from supporting diverse wildlife to combating climate change. 

How does Garden for Wildlife select the right plants?

We very carefully choose the native plants we offer. This process highlights the importance of selecting plants that not only thrive in your region, but also benefit the local wildlife.

Key Considerations for Plant Selection:

• Wildlife Benefits: Garden for Wildlife prioritizes plants that support pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds as well as other types of wildlife. We utilize resources from experts to identify keystone species, plants that have a significant impact on the ecosystem.
• Habitat Suitability: Matching the right plant to the right place is crucial. The Biota of North America (BONAP) is  used to verify a plant's native range and ensure it flourishes in your specific region.
• Commercial Availability: While focusing on keystone species, we must also consider practicalities. We partner with growers who can reliably produce the desired plants in sufficient quantities using sustainable practices.

The Selection Process:

1. Target Audience: We consider many different customer interests, such as those wanting to attract specific types of wildlife or those seeking plants for specific conditions (e.g. rain garden plants) .
2. Wish List Creation: Using data on keystone plant species (e.g., which plants support the greatest numbers of butterfly, moth, or pollen specialist bees), we create a prioritized list of plants beneficial to the local ecosystem.
3. Grower Input: We collaborate with growers to determine which plants they can reliably produce and ensure sufficient seed stock is available.
4. Collection Assembly: Plants are grouped into collections to provide three seasons of bloom and a minimum of one keystone species when possible, based on similar characteristics and to target specific wildlife needs (e.g., hummingbird gardens).
5. Location Verification: Following a due diligence process, we confirm a plant's native range and establish appropriate shipping ranges. NatureServe Explorer is used to ensure that we aren't unintentionally introducing plants beyond their native range.
6. State Criteria Adherence: We ensure compliance with state regulations regarding native plant sales.
7. Cross-referencing Resources: Additional resources are consulted to verify details like bloom times, heights, and wildlife benefits. Variations based on location are considered.  Resources like books by Heather Holm (a pollen specialist bee expert) are used to fill information gaps on specific wildlife benefits, while others provide valuable gardening tips such as species with deer resistance. The Native Plant Finder and the Ecological Revegetation Application (ERA tool) by the US Department of Transportation are used to verify wildlife benefits and gather additional information on plant-pollinator relationships.
8. Wildlife Impact Calculation: We revisit the original keystone plant data to calculate the wildlife impact of each plant collection offered. This might involve the number of butterfly or bird species a plant supports. 

By following a detailed selection process, we ensure we offer plants that not only beautify your garden but also contribute to a healthy ecosystem. We prioritize native species that thrive in your region while providing valuable resources to support local wildlife.

How You Can Embrace the Native Plant Movement

The science is clear: native plants offer a plethora of environmental benefits. So how can you embrace the native plant movement?

• Research Your Region: Identify native plants that thrive in your specific area. Online resources like our Plant Finder Quiz or National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder. 
• Embrace Diverse Plantings: When creating your native plant haven, choose a variety of species with different heights, flowering times, and foliage types. This encourages a wider range of wildlife and creates a visually stunning landscape.

Read More: 10 Steps to Wildlife Gardening with Native Plants

By incorporating keystone plants into your garden or landscaping projects, you're not just beautifying your space; you're contributing to a healthier planet, supporting biodiversity, and creating a haven for wildlife. It's a win-win for everyone, and the science speaks for itself!