Climate change is a global problem that requires local solutions. One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate is to plant native plants in your garden.
Native plants are plants that have evolved in a specific region and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They can help store more carbon in their roots and soil than non-native plants, which often require more water, fertilizer, and maintenance. According to Dr. Sara Kuebbing, assistant professor of plant ecology at the University of Pittsburgh, “Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential services that we depend on for our survival and well-being.”
Native plants can also help prevent flooding by absorbing more water and reducing runoff. This can protect your property from water damage and save you money on water bills. Moreover, native plants can support wildlife by providing food, shelter, and habitat for native animals and pollinators. Dr. Doug Tallamy, professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, says, “Native plants are not boring or messy. They are diverse, colorful, and attractive. They can create beautiful landscapes that reflect our local identity and culture.”
However, not everyone appreciates the benefits of native plants. Some cities and homeowners associations do not like their appearance or consider them weeds. They impose restrictions or penalties on homeowners who grow them, citing aesthetic or safety reasons. For example, Kay MacNeil, a homeowner in Gary, Indiana, fought a legal battle to keep her native garden after the city threatened to fine her $2,500 per day for violating a weed ordinance. She says, “I love my native garden. It’s beautiful, it’s alive, it’s diverse. It makes me happy and it makes the birds happy.”
Climate change is also making it harder to grow native plants. They are facing more stress from drought, heat, pests, and diseases. Dr. Jenny Guerin, senior botanist at the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, says, “We need to help them adapt and survive.” She suggests choosing native plants that are suited to your local conditions, planting them in groups or clusters, mulching them well, and watering them deeply but infrequently.
If you are interested in growing native plants in your garden, you can find more information and resources online or from your local nursery or extension service. You can also join a native plant society or a community garden group to learn from other enthusiasts and experts. Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, associate professor and extension urban horticulturist at Washington State University, says, “Native plants are not only good for the environment, they are also good for your wallet. They require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native plants.”
By planting native plants in your garden, you can help fight climate change and save your lawn. You can also enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature in your own backyard.
Relevant articles:
– Why some homeowners are choosing to replace their lawns with native plants, Indiana Public Radio, August 22, 2023
– Native plants can help slow climate change by storing more carbon, The Conversation, August 23, 2023
– How native plants can help mitigate the effects of climate change on your garden, ABC News, August 21, 2023
– Climate change is making it harder to grow native plants. Here’s what you can do, CBC News, August 20, 2023