In Support of Native Plants

Benefits to Using Native Plant Species

• They do not require watering or chemical fertilizers and pesticides in order to thrive.
• They can thrive in poor soils.
• Local flora and fauna support them and in turn they provide food and habitat.
• Growing them improves biodiversity and creates a local seed source.
• Planting native species and connecting existing green spaces provides migration corridors for urban wildlife.

The above is from the following website:
http://www.evergreen.ca/en/resources/native-plants-and-invasive-species/


When planting, and re-greening a landscape, I think it is an excellent rule to focus on the native plant material first, before trying to introduce something "exotic"or unfamiliar to your landscape. Look to the mundane for your source of inspiration.

This current movement towards native plant material - which isn't so much of a movement as it is a natural response and desire to reclaim what has been lost -  goes against the history of the garden and garden design. In other words, to plant something that already grows in your own backyard will go against your own inclinations to plant something different. Where are the bragging rights in that? Isn't it more glamorous to show off something unique?  Historically, it showed one's status as an upper class gardener snob, showing off  your latest plant acquisition from overseas, as well as adding to a diverse plant collection.

As we now understand, integrating foreign plant material can in some cases be devastating to the natural environment, as these "strangers" invade and often have the ability to snuff out the existing plants, and overtake the landscape like some overbearing dictators.

Although strictly supporting native plant material asks a lot of the average gardener trying to beautify their yard, it is a good starting point. It is a guide. Balanced with some understanding that there are potential dangers in planting invasive species - it might just provoke a bit more research into what you plant in your garden before you find yourself trying to weed out unwanted plants that have multiplied and spread beyond control.

Check out this Native Plant Database for more info on native plant material in your area.
http://nativeplants.evergreen.ca/

Chiefswood Park's native garden features varying heights, textures and hues.