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Gardening With Native Plants

USING WILDFLOWERS IN THE GARDEN MAKES SENSE. NOT ONLY ARE THEY COLORFUL AND FRAGRANT, BUT BEING LOCAL, THEY ARE HARDY!

There are good reasons to include native plants in the garden.

Every gardener needs a few plants that require little or no maintenance. A look at the prolific flowers in meadows and forests provides a clue to unravel the mystery of low-maintenance. Using wildflowers in the garden makes sense. Not only are they colorful and fragrant, but being local, they are tough enough to withstand late frosts, pests, rain, and drought cycles.

Native plants integrate into your landscaping

Native plants can be incorporated into the existing borders of annuals, perennials, and shrubs. They can even be grown in containers and planters. Native plants provide food for wildlife; if you closely observe the flowers blooming around bodies of water and on the forest edges, you'll notice many butterflies and moths gathering nectar. And, of course, coneflowers and pumpkin flowers provide food for the early visits of hummingbirds.

There is a beautiful native flower for every gardening condition

When you take a close look at your landscape, what do you see, sun or shade? Is it dry, wet, or filled with stagnant water? These conditions determine which low-maintenance marvel of nature is best for you. A sunny spot means butterfly weed, blazing star, and native sunflowers, blooming with their colorful hearts from early to mid-summer. If your landscape is dotted with oaks, your garden can be filled with early spring flowers like azaleas, phloxes, violets, and native columbines.

HELP NEW PLANTS THRIVE BY ANALYZING YOUR SOIL

Before planting, make sure to conduct a soil test to determine the soil pH and nutrient content. Knowing the composition and pH of your soil will help you choose the types of plants to cultivate and give you an idea of the nutrients you need.

Add organic material

It's always a good idea to add organic matter to most planting areas. Organic matter acts as a sponge to retain moisture during dry periods. It also allows roots to penetrate deeply, making plants more productive.

Water when planting

Most natives like plenty of moisture and good drainage. Water well when first planting and during droughts. If you apply organic matter every year, your plants will need minimal water after the first year.

Where to find native plants for your area

Native plant societies are an excellent source of both plants and information. Inquire with them about offerings that will make your gardening more colorful and less labor-intensive.