All Plants are not created equal, particularly in their ability to support wildlife. -Douglas Tallamy
Four of the thousands of plants we like to use.
Scarlet Sage
Salvia Coccinea, an annual in cooler climates (zones 6-8a) is a perennial here. Attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, it sows its own seeds. Its ability to spread is nice whilst not being aggressive and taking over.
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias Tuberosa, the iconic milkweed. A host plant for the renowned monarch. This species in particular is actually native to our area and supports a whole host of insects.
Dense Blazing Star
Liatris Spicata, a low maintenance prairie plant. It needs no tending for winter and puts out beautiful purple blooms the following spring. Leave the stalks to feed birds overwinter.
Swamp Sunflower
Helianthus Angustifolius, a native sunflower that can grow up to 8 feet tall. This plant under ideal conditions can cover an area in blooms. Make sure to put it in an area that needs cover and it won’t overtake any other plants.
Providing for the environment is rather simple. Let nature work for you
1.
Stronger Plants
Native plants have evolved to live and intertwine with our local ecology. They are naturally stronger than the alien plants we bring in.
2.
Native habitats
When native plants thrive in their original habitat, they provide for wildlife that is beneficial to your outdoor space.
3.
Help the Earth
Require less water, fertilizer and pesticides. Prevent runoff and improve air quality. They are effective at storing and sequestering carbon.
4.
Save Money
The cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $150 per acre annually versus $1000 per acre for non-native turf grasses.
What is the use of a house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?
― Henry David Thoreau
The Native Nursery Landscaping 