Of the many benefits native plants provide, the one most valuable to the home gardener or a local landscaper? Low maintenance: they are cheaper.
Because native plants are used to their climate, they require less upkeep, less water and little to no fertilizer or pesticides. This reduces chemical runoff and conserves water, an environmental win.
Southeastern North Carolina can be on the hot side of the thermometer, so native plants are used to a drier climate. To compensate, the plants have developed deeper roots, which can create structure to prevent erosion. This keeps the soil healthy, so more plants continue to grow.
An invasive plant can quickly take over like kudzu; native plants increase biodiversity, which prevents a massive die off.
If native plants are overcome, the ecosystem loses essential shelter and food sources starting at the bottom of the food chain. By planting natives, we restore balance, connecting our yards to the wild corridors that sustain birds, bees and the future of our local ecosystem.
