Have you ever considered the benefits of native plants?   Native plants have beautiful flowers and foliage and are well adapted to the climate and soils in New England.  They offer real benefits to both the home owner and the local fauna.

The birds, insects and soil organisms will thank you for planting native material, which will in turn help and nurture the environment.  As a home owner, native plants will save you on valuable resources such as water and fertilizer.

Some examples of the most valuable woody plant genera in terms of supporting biodiversity in New England include: Oak, Crabapple, Blueberry, Maple and Spruce to name a few.

Some of the best perennials for supporting wildlife include Aster, Helianthus, Joe Pye, Carex, Lupine, Geranium, Black Eyed Susan, Iris, Milkweed, Phlox and Bee Balm.

Native plants may even improve your home’s real estate value, as more and more people are attracted to sustainable landscapes. What benefits have you seen of using native plants in your garden?