Native Gardens in The Media: How to Help Make Native Plants Mainstream
The improper use of native plants, often due to a lack of understanding, can diminish their impact and make them less accepted in mainstream landscaping. Native plants behave differently from the cultivars that have been genetically modified for aesthetics rather than ecological function. Property owners who design native gardens may have good intentions, but successful native garden designs require specialized knowledge about plant behavior, characteristics, growing conditions, and ecological benefits. By increasing awareness and promoting well-designed native gardens, we can help shift the tide and make native plants the go-to choice for homeowners and landscapers alike, creating sustainable and ecologically beneficial landscapes.
Natives vs. Cultivars vs. Non-Native and Invasive Plants
Native Plants
Native plants are those that have evolved over thousands of years within specific local ecosystems, coexisting with the climate, soil, and surrounding biological life. They are naturally resilient to weather variations, drought-resistant, and provide food and habitat for native wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies. Because they have adapted to local conditions, they require little maintenance and support a balanced ecosystem.
Cultivars
Cultivars, or "nativars," are selectively bred versions of native plants that prioritize aesthetic appeal over ecological function. While they may retain some benefits of their wild counterparts, cultivars often lack the genetic diversity needed to support pollinators and wildlife effectively. For example, some cultivars may not produce the same quantity of nectar, pollen, or seeds, reducing their overall ecological value.
For example, after World War II, boxwood shrubs were brought from Asia to Europe and then to the Americas. Today, boxwoods are ubiquitous, shaping the uniform landscapes that have become the suburban norm. However, they have not co-evolved with local ecosystems and often require excessive care, making them susceptible to diseases such as boxwood blight and pests like the boxwood moth. Read more about these threats here [INSERT LINK]. The boxwood is just one example of an ornamental species that can disrupt ecological balance and limit biodiversity.
Non-Native and Invasive Plants
Non-native plants, also called exotic plants, originate from regions outside their planting location. While some non-natives are harmless when carefully managed, many become invasive, meaning they spread aggressively, outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Invasive species often thrive due to a lack of natural predators and can dominate landscapes, reducing biodiversity and altering soil composition.
Some of the most popular gardening plants today are not only non-native but invasive. Examples include:
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): While aesthetically pleasing, this plant smothers native vegetation and weakens trees by preventing photosynthesis.
- Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii): A favorite in landscaping, but a major culprit in tick infestations and soil degradation.
- Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana): This tree spreads aggressively, crowds out native species, and is structurally weak, making it a poor long-term choice for landscapes.
These plants harm native ecosystems by reducing available habitat, altering soil chemistry, and introducing new pests and diseases. Choosing true native plants instead of invasive species helps restore natural balance and support biodiversity.
Advantages of a Native Plant Garden
Compared to traditional lawns dominated by Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass, and other non-native turfgrasses, native gardens offer numerous benefits:
- Low Maintenance: Native plants require significantly less upkeep than non-native landscapes. They thrive without chemical fertilizers, excessive watering, or intensive pruning.
- Water Conservation: Because they are adapted to local climates, native plants require less irrigation, reducing water consumption and costs.
- Pollinator Support: Well-designed native gardens attract and sustain pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping combat declining populations. Click here to read more about how native gardens can help save the monarch butterfly from extinction.
- Year-Round Beauty: Thoughtfully curated native landscapes provide visual interest in every season, from vibrant wildflowers in spring to rich foliage in the fall.
What Dominates Mainstream Media?
Take a walk through your neighborhood. How many yards showcase lush, meticulously trimmed lawns? How many of those include small, uniform flower beds with carefully placed cultivated plants? The traditional American lawn has long been ingrained in our culture, seen as a symbol of prosperity and the American Dream. But at what cost?
Homeowners often invest significant time and money to maintain pristine, chemically treated lawns that offer little ecological value. They hire landscapers who specialize in water-intensive designs, chemical treatments, and sterile environments devoid of native biodiversity. Or, they take on the pressure themselves—ignoring their very pregnant wife, clashing with feuding enemies, and spending their entire summer battling their lawn instead of embracing the almost hilarious results guarantee from a native garden.
The irony? Many of these homeowners struggle with browning grass in extreme weather, ongoing pest problems, and increasing water bills—all while missing out on the joys of a thriving, self-sustaining garden.
Redefining Mainstream Landscaping
The key to making native gardens mainstream is to shift demand. If more homeowners request native plants at nurseries and prioritize sustainable landscaping, supply will follow. As native gardens become more visible in neighborhoods, social norms will change, potentially leading to an all out war between traditional lawn enthusiasts and native garden advocates. Imagine a world where homeowners compete not for the greenest grass but for the most vibrant ecosystem—one teeming with butterflies, songbirds, and beneficial insects. By reframing the conversation around landscaping, we can turn native gardening into a new status symbol.
Leading the Neighborhood Transformation
Making the switch to a native garden doesn’t have to be a challenge. Many professionals are dedicated to helping homeowners transition to eco-friendly landscapes who have long championed sustainable gardening practices. My Home Park connects homeowners with expert native landscaping services that provide specialized plant glossaries, custom design coftware, and hands-on experience to bring these gardens to life.
The benefits extend beyond aesthetics. No more dead grass in winter, no more sky-high water bills, and no more harmful pesticides that pose risks to pets and children. Instead, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, thriving, and sustainable yard that benefits both you and the environment.
Tips for Growing a Successful Native Garden
Here are four tips for growing a successful native garden:
- Choose the right plants for manicured spaces: For structured courtyards, select plants that will maintain their shape and retain a height that fits the design, such as smooth penstemon, wild columbine, Jacob’s ladder, wild geranium, native grasses and sedges.
- Match plants to their environment: Consider factors like height, shape, color, and texture when selecting plants to ensure they complement the surrounding landscape.
- Avoid fast spreaders in formal settings: Tall perennials and aggressive species can overwhelm a designed space, making the garden appear untidy and difficult to manage.
- Plan ahead and take a gradual approach: Start small, introducing plants gradually, and allow time for them to establish before expanding the garden. This method ensures a cohesive design and prevents overcrowding, especially when dealing with existing features like a long standing fence line.
By following these tips, homeowners can create beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance native gardens that enhance their outdoor spaces while supporting biodiversity.
How You Can Take Action Today
Ready to be a leader in your neighborhood? Start your journey toward a native landscape today by exploring native plant options, connecting with sustainable landscaping experts, and making small changes that lead to big ecological impacts. Your garden can be more than just a lawn—it can be a thriving ecosystem. Get started today!
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