Garden Answer: Sad News for Plant Lovers

1,000s of Native Plants Under Threat

The news is not good for native plants in the United States. According to the National Audubon Society, one in five native plant species is at risk of extinction. This means that thousands of plant species could disappear from our landscape in the coming years, with devastating consequences for wildlife and the environment.

What is Driving the Decline?

There are a number of factors contributing to the decline of native plants, including:

• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Invasive species
• Climate change
• Pollution
• Overuse of pesticides and herbicides

The Impact of Native Plant Loss

The loss of native plants has a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem. Native plants provide food and shelter for wildlife, help to clean our air and water, and support important ecosystem processes such as pollination and seed dispersal. When native plants disappear, it can have a devastating impact on the animals and the environment that depend on them.

What Can We Do?

There are a number of things we can do to help protect native plants, including:

• Plant native plants in our yards and gardens. This is one of the best ways to support native plants and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
• Support organizations that are working to conserve native plants. There are a number of organizations that are working to protect native plants, such as the National Audubon Society and the Plant Conservation Alliance.
• Reduce our use of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can kill native plants, so it is important to use them only when necessary and to follow the directions carefully.
• Educate others about the importance of native plants. The more people who understand the importance of native plants, the more likely we are to protect them.

Conclusion

The decline of native plants is a serious threat to our environment and wildlife. However, there are a number of things we can do to help protect native plants and ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.

How to Choose the Right Native Plants for Your Yard

When choosing native plants for your yard, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The climate in your area. Native plants are adapted to the climate in your area, so they are more likely to thrive and require less care.
• The soil conditions in your yard. Native plants are adapted to the soil conditions in your area, so they are more likely to thrive and require less fertilizer.
• The amount of sunlight your yard receives. Native plants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose plants that will thrive in the amount of sunlight your yard receives.
• The amount of water your yard receives. Native plants come in a variety of water needs, so you can choose plants that will thrive in the amount of water your yard receives.

Where to Find Native Plants

There are a number of places where you can find native plants, including:

• Local nurseries. Many local nurseries carry a variety of native plants.
• Online retailers. There are a number of online retailers that sell native plants.
• Plant swaps. Plant swaps are a great way to get free native plants from other gardeners.
• Native plant societies. Native plant societies often have sales or giveaways of native plants.

Planting and Caring for Native Plants

Once you have chosen the right native plants for your yard, it is important to plant and care for them properly.

• Planting. Native plants should be planted in the fall or spring. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly.
• Watering. Native plants need less water than non-native plants, but they should be watered regularly during the first year after planting. Once they are established, they will need less water.
• Fertilizing. Native plants do not need much fertilizer, but they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring.
• Mulching. Mulching helps to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds. A layer of mulch 2-3 inches deep is ideal.

Enjoying Your Native Plants

Native plants are a beautiful and sustainable addition to any yard. They provide food and shelter for wildlife, help to clean our air and water, and support important ecosystem processes. By choosing the right native plants for your yard and caring for them properly, you can enjoy their beauty and benefits for years to come.

| Native Plants | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubs | Provide food and shelter for wildlife |
| Trees | Clean our air and water |
| Flowers | Support important ecosystem processes |

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of planting native plants?

Native plants provide a number of benefits, including:

• Providing food and shelter for wildlife
• Cleaning our air and water
• Supporting important ecosystem processes
• Reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides

How do I choose the right native plants for my yard?

When choosing native plants for your yard, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The climate in your area
• The soil conditions in your yard
• The amount of sunlight your yard receives
• The amount of water your yard receives

Where can I find native plants?

There are a number of places where you can find native plants, including:

• Local nurseries
• Online retailers
• Plant swaps
• Native plant societies

How do I plant and care for native plants?

Planting native plants is easy. Simply dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly. Native plants need less water than non-native plants, but they should be watered regularly during the first year after planting. Once they are established, they will need less water. Native plants do not need much fertilizer, but they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring. A layer of mulch 2-3 inches deep is ideal for keeping the soil moist and suppressing weeds.

What are some of the most common native plants?

Some of the most common native plants include:

• Shrubs: azaleas, rhododendrons, viburnums
• Trees: oaks, maples, birches
• Flowers: daisies, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans