Grow Canadian: Here's what happens to your garden when you use native plants
Planning your garden? Experts agree: There are big benefits to skipping exotics and planting native species.
Native plants—i.e., foliage that naturally occurs in a region—are an important part of the ecosystem, but a significant portion of the plants available in nurseries are what's referred to as 'exotics,' which are grown in other parts of the world.
On a large scale, exotics can be a problem, out-competing native species, disrupting the food chain for wildlife, and changing the landscape of natural habitats.
But this spring provides a new opportunity to turn it all around.
When planning your garden this year, why not grow Canadian? It will transform your garden in more ways than one.
Here are four benefits to planting native species.
1. If you plant native species, you'll attract more wildlife
Planting native varieties provides shelter and food for home-grown insects, birds, and other animals that benefit the ecosystem.
Adding milkweed to your garder for example, provides crucial habitat and food for monarch butterfly caterpillars. This is the only food source they will eat, and milkweed leaves are the only place monarchs will lay their eggs. Given a plant can last up to twenty years, planting native milkweed could benefit several future generations of monarchs.
_2. You'll save water and time.
Native plants tend to be better at retaining moisture than non-native varieties. It's an evolutionary advantage that can translate into big savings for you in terms of money, resources, and effort.
3. Native plants are more weather-resistant
Canadians are weather hardy, and so are our plants. Native greenery is more likely to survive Canada's harsh winters, rollercoaster springs, and summer dry spells, increasing the chances they'll bloom in your garden year after year, once again saving you money, resources, and effort.
4. Native plants tend to require fewer pesticides
Once established in your garden, native plants are relatively easy to maintain. It's that home advantage once again: Over time, native species have developed natural defenses against local diseases and 'pest' insects that can damage or kill exotic plants. If you'd like to cut down on harsh chemicals and encourage natural predator insects to do the work instead, native plants will help.
Identifying native plants
Libraries, local botanical gardens, and even government websites can be helpful resources for identifying native plants.
Websites like CanPlant and the Canadian Wildlife Foundation Native Plant Encyclopedia can point gardeners in the right direction.
For design inspiration in southwestern Ontario, check out the Arboretum at the University of Guelph, either online or in person.
The Gosling Wildlife Gardens, features a series of five backyard gardens set up to show visitors how to use their backyards to attract and support a wide range of wildlife species.
Thumbnail image: Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network.