Native Gardens Make Happy Homes

It’s finally gardening season again and with all this extra time at home, you might as well get to it! While you are taking inventory of your garden or planning a new one, consider adding a few native plants to your list. Native plants generally refer to plants indigenous to a particular region, but why should you plant them instead of non-native species?

1. Native species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as critical food sources for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other animals.

2. Native plants require less maintenance! Since these species are well adapted to our climate, they require minimal watering (after the initial planting) and less fertilizer and pesticides.

3. If you create an entire native plant garden section, you are also creating perfect habitat for our local wildlife including insects, birds, and amphibians.

4. Native plants help promote biodiversity and stewardship of our local species.

What Are Some Native Plants to New England?

There are many plants that call New England home, but which ones should you choose? Just like with any plants, you need to take into consideration your sunlight, soil, and water availability. Better Homes and Garden has selected 15 of the Top Native Plants of the Northeast. A few of my favorites are:

• Yellow Lady’s-Slipper Orchid: Loves part shade and moist, acidic soil

• Maidenhair Fern: Loves shade and moist, humus-rich soil

• Jacob’s Ladder: Loves part sun and well-drained soil

• Eastern Bluestar: Loves full sun and moist soil. Attracts migrating butterflies.

• Swamp Milkweed: Loves full sun and moist soil. This is a butterfly favorite!

If you need help finding some native plants, check out Grow Native Massachusetts to find a list of nurseries in your area that supply them.