4 reasons native plants should be part of your landscape design

Native plants may seem like a buzzword now, but they are indeed important in sustainable landscapes. By installing native plants, you can bring many benefits to your local ecosystem and your customers. Native plants are plants that grow naturally in a specific area and therefore adapt to local conditions. In addition to looking good, they can also help improve the environment and help your customers achieve their green goals. At Rossen Landscape in Northern Virginia, some of my favorites include gorgeous coreopsis, vibrant cinnamon fern, and deep red winter mulberry. But there are many other options. Here are four reasons why I like to use local plants and your customers will appreciate it.

1. Native plants are good for the environment

One of the factors that make native plants so environmentally friendly is that they require less care. They thrive in existing local soil, require less water, and can withstand weather conditions. Compared with other non-native species, they also encounter fewer pest problems. Native plants are also food sources and habitats for local wild animals (including local insects, pollinators, etc.). Customers appreciate what they are doing for the local ecosystem by installing local plants.

2. Native plants serve valuable purposes (like other plants)

Of course, native plants can also provide valuable functions required by other plant materials, such as enhancing privacy or reducing noise. It is important to let your customers know that native plants are very good for the environment. They are also very suitable for your gardening needs. For example, a strategically installed native plant can create a noise and visual buffer between your customer's home and your neighbor's home. This can help you provide customers with the privacy they want.

3. Native plants preserve local water sources

Because they are adapted to the region, native plant roots tend to run deeper than other plant material. This is good because it assists in maintaining healthy soil, preventing erosion, managing rainwater runoff, and preventing soil compaction. These are all important elements when it comes to a sustainable landscape. In our region, soil erosion is a particular threat because so many rely on well water and take great pride in our local waterways (like the Potomac River). But erosion can cause sediment in rovers and streams and increase pollution. Clients appreciate that our propensity toward using native plant material helps make a difference to local waterways.

4. Native plants are beautiful

Finally, I will not mention that native plants are also beautiful. Many times, when people hear the term native plant, they think of a simple wildflower garden. But this is not the only goal your customers can achieve. There are native flowers, trees and shrubs in various colors, patterns and textures.