Why You Should Choose Plants Native to Your Area
Here in BC, summers are getting hotter and drier, which means using more water to try to keep our gardens going. Some of the time, when we go to a garden center to choose plants for our garden, we tend to focus only on what the plant looks like and if it needs sun or shade. But we should be considering if the plant will do well in our area and if it will need lots of water just to make sure it will survive the heat and dry months. Last year especially BC and a lot of other areas experienced a drought and record high temperatures. We should be considering native plants more and more to be able to survive and make sure our gardens look great while not taking so much time and water.
Why Native Plants are More Hardy
Native plants are those that occur naturally in the region they evolved from, so they are tolerant to the area. Lots of the plants in garden centers are from outside areas, and some plants could also be considered invasive to our region. Depending on where those certain plants are native to, means they grow and thrive in those conditions, not the local area. Native plants to your area have grown there for thousands of years and are compatible with our soil, temperatures and water supply. The root systems of native plants are typically deeper, some up to 15 feet, which can allow the plant to access groundwater from a deeper depth. Native plants also are great food sources to local wildlife including birds, bees and other insects.
What Kinds of Native Plants to Choose
People might shy away from native plants because they might think of them as not as showy or flowery enough, but there are plenty of native plants that flower all season, or decorative grasses that add a lot of beauty just in their foliage.
Shade Loving
Deer Fern or Sword Fern
Red Columbine
False Lily of the Valley
Pacific Bleeding Heart
Holodiscus discolor Ocean Spray
Drought Tolerant
Goldenrod
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Ribes sanguineum Native flowering Currant
Philadelphus lewisii Mock Orange
How They Benefit the Environment
Native plants use less water and fertilizer to survive. With a strong root system, they can also prevent runoff. They also help build the natural ecosystem in our area, making sure everything in nature balances and works with the other components like climate, wildlife, and microbes. Having deep roots, they can help break up heavy clay soils which allows water to permeate the ground better. For some of the plants, a portion of the roots dies off, adding organic material to the soil. The roots also help stabilize the soil and can help prevent erosion. Local pollinators depend on native plants to survive, as they are the plants that will thrive from spring to fall with little effort. They are the first and last sources of food to keep bees going until hibernation.
When it comes to planning your garden, you don’t have to feel like you can only choose native plants, but consider the amount of non-native species you do pick. Having a balance helps make sure you still have the plants your want while also enjoying the benefits. Having native plants will make sure you have more time to enjoy what you have planted, not just spending time to make sure they survive. Consider planting non-native plants in containers and pots on your deck and entryways, while choosing native plants in the garden beds and yard that will come back year after year, adding all the benefits of a balanced ecosystem.
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About Me
I am the Owner of Inherit Designs Landscaping. Since 2003, my team and I have been providing sustainable garden solutions to the Cowichan Valley and Greater Victoria. I personally hold two certifications in horticulture and permaculture and take great pride in the service I offer my clients. My family and I live on our organic flower farm called Little Bee Blooms, run by my wife. Together we are continually conducting research gardens and experimenting in many aspects of horticulture and permaculture to improve our knowledge and the operation of our businesses.