Creating a thriving, flourishing garden starts with choosing the right plants. This is because plants have different soil requirements and need varying levels of sunlight throughout the day to thrive. Plus, gardening enthusiasts also need to know whether they want to invest in native or non-native plants. Both have certain benefits, and depending on where individuals stay, they can choose to plant either or a combination of both.
Native Plants vs. Non-Native Plants
Native plants are exactly what their name suggests: they are species that naturally belong to a specific geographic region and have always lived there. On the other hand, the non-natives are species that are not indigenous to a geographic region and are brought there during human settlement.
For example, in North America, plants that have been thriving since before the arrival of Europeans are considered native. In contrast, those introduced to the region during and after that period because of human activity are classified as non-native.
The cardinal flower, Stokes aster, orange coneflower, and white wild indigo are some common examples of native plant species. Among the non-natives, holly, boxwood, and panicle hydrangeas are some popular choices often found in gardens.
Benefits of Native Plants
Are Low-Maintenance
One of the main advantages of choosing native plants for a garden is that they are low-maintenance. Since these plants have always belonged to the region, most have adapted to its natural climate, moisture levels, and changing weather conditions. Along with that, many of them are also immune to the plant diseases prevailing in the region. In addition, native species usually require minimal use of fertilizers, thanks to their adaptation to local conditions. Because of these qualities, native plants are easier to grow, and individuals do not have to put a lot of effort into their upkeep.
Require Less Water
Native species require fewer fertilizers and less maintenance as they are adapted to their region’s natural weather, moisture conditions, rainfall patterns, and soil types. So, when it comes to maintaining native plants, individuals do not need to worry about installing elaborate irrigation systems or having strict watering schedules. This is why having native plants in the garden is also considered sustainable since they require individuals to use less water.
Support Local Ecosystem
A key reason why biologists and agricultural scientists recommend growing native plants in gardens is that they support the local ecosystem. These plants are more welcoming to the local wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, who seek them out for their shelter and food requirements.
Per experts, pollinators find native plant species to be four times more attractive than non-natives. The main reason behind this is that most pollinators have co-evolved with these native plants over centuries, hence having more familiarity with them. So, simply by choosing native plants for the garden, individuals help promote biodiversity within their own space and preserve the local ecosystem.
Are Affordable
One way native plants are more affordable than non-native plants is that they require less fertilizer than the latter. There is also no need to install big irrigation systems, which further cuts their costs. Native plants are more resilient to local pests, which reduces the need for chemical pesticides. Together, these factors make gardening with native species a more budget-friendly and sustainable option in the long run.
Benefits of Non-Native Plants
Variety in Food
Those interested in growing food crops or starting an herb garden may find greater benefits in cultivating non-native plants. Surprisingly, some of the most commonly consumed plants in the country are not native species. These include potatoes, oats, corn, peaches, apples, peanuts, and oranges. So, only investing in native plants might limit the variety of foods available. Additionally, people’s personal food choices have already adapted to include non-native options, so growing these plants will better align with their culinary preferences.
More Diversity in the Garden
Individuals have limitless options to choose from when selecting non-native species for their gardens. Plus, the variety allows for a diverse and vibrant garden. That said, individuals must be responsible and keep in mind that they should choose plants that can adapt to the local climate and will not negatively impact the native species in the area.
Invasive Species
There is a subsection of non-native plants that are called invasive species. These plants are highly resilient and grow and spread without human intervention. However, these qualities make them a nuisance. Invasive species spread aggressively and often compete with other plants around them for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil. As a result, to ensure their growth and survival, they destroy other plants surrounding them. Not only that, but they even alter the natural condition and form of the habitat they have invaded. This disrupts the natural balance of the local ecosystem, affecting plant diversity and the region’s wildlife. Some common examples of invasive plants include kudzu, Japanese knotweed, and purple loosestrife. When selecting non-native plants, it is crucial to ensure they are not invasive and are safe for the local environment.
