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By Marc Hess, Editor, Milberger’s Gardening South Texas
Native plants are plants that have evolved locally and occur naturally without human help in a given habitat. Many have thrived here for centuries while non-native plants are more recent transplants that have been were introduced from other countries. Native plants are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. Minimal maintenance, less watering and little-to-no use of fertilizers and pesticides are among the most touted benefits of going native in your landscape. In addition to these obvious advantages, a landscape with native plants and trees has hidden benefits to the environment and atmosphere. Native plants utilize photosynthesis to store carbon that would otherwise end up in the atmosphere as harmful carbon dioxide. A majority of that stored carbon ends up underground in the root systems and soil. Native plants also create positive effects for the nitrogen cycle that results in less carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
As water becomes scarce due to ongoing drought conditions, it becomes more important to promote native plants and habitats. Our native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, which support habitats for wildlife, are being destroyed by the constant and progressive building on land supporting our native Texas heritage.
The importance of native plants lies in the benefits they offer:
➢ Texas native plants provide food sources (seeds, nuts, nectar and fruits) that Texas birds, bats, pollinating insects and butterflies rely on.
➢ They attract the insects that birds feed on.
➢ Provide habitats for birds, wildlife and larval host plants for butterflies.
➢ Texas native plants require less maintenance compared to introduced species.
➢ They tolerate and resist local diseases, pests, and lack of water.
➢ They protect the soil with their long root systems.
➢ They also protect our water quality by controlling soil erosion.
➢ They minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
➢ Adds beauty to your landscape.
➢ Texas native plants preserves our natural heritage and will allow us to share it with our children and their children.
You can incorporate native plants into an existing landscape or start completely from scratch. First, you’ll want to assess your property’s environmental conditions (shady or sunny, adequate or poor drainage, soil types, irrigation, etc.), inventory existing native plants, and establish your own landscape needs based on how you use your yard. The results are well worth the time you spend analyzing and matching species to site conditions and personal preference.
Work toward a naturalistic landscape design by imitating associations found in specific plant communities (a prairie area, wetland or woodland edge, for example). Visit local natural areas so you can determine which species might grow well on your property. By observing native plants in their natural environments, you can learn more about their ecosystem requirements and growth habits. If you duplicate at home what you see in nature, you’ll properly place native plants in your yard. Note the plant’s maximum size and bloom sequence and where it occurs, such as at the edge of a forest or in an open meadow. Take time to learn about the dominant native plants in your area.
Your plan doesn’t have to be elaborate, and it can be installed in phases as money and time permit. If you should need assistance, a professional landscape designer or landscape architect with native plant experience could be employed.
