Why Go Native?

Why Go Native?



Snow, ice and freezing temperatures have wreaked havoc on flora in Northern Virginia this winter, snapping branches and toppling trees. After assessing the damage that the recent back-to-back blizzards have brought to your landscape, you may soon be thinking about adding or replacing new plantings this spring.

When choosing what to plant, landscaping experts and naturalists urge consumers to consider adding native species to your design.

"Native plants are those that evolved naturally in North America, prior to European colonization," said John Magee, the landscape operations manager at GreenWorks, a garden center and landscaping firm located in Chantilly.

Native species have already adapted to our climate and soils, said Magee, and are typically less susceptible to pests and common diseases, and require less water than exotics.

"They also help keep nature in balance," he said.

As an example, Magee noted the Russian Olive (it's exotic partner is the Autumn Olive) which was imported here in the late 1800s from Europe for its ornamental value. The Russian Olive produces a berry that songbirds adore, but the invasiveness of this bush has, say ornithologists, caused a decline in the songbird population.

Because of the Russian Olive's abundant berry production, songbirds often choose to nest in the lower branches of the bush. As a result, the songbirds and their offspring have become more susceptible to predators.

I asked Magee for some examples of native plants that Loudouners may want to consider adding to their home landscape design. He cited the Flowering Dogwood, Virginia Sweetspire, Mountain Laurel, Spicebush and Rhododendrons.

Even if you're not that interested in a plant's origination, some folks, said Magee, get a kick out of the historical aspect native shrubs and trees bring to a garden.

"Native plants have played an integral part in our cultural identity," he said. "Thomas Jefferson, for example, used ink derived from the native Inkberry bush to pen the Declaration of Independence, and Arrowwood, got its name because Native Americans used the shrub's straight branches for arrow shafts."

For more information on native plants in our area, check out this link produced by the Loudoun County Master Gardeners organization.

Source: EarthDay@Loudoun Family Festival ~ GreenSpeak@Loudoun

 

The one overlooked aspect of "planting native" plants is; this approach absolutely helps/supports the local wildlife. This spans from something as simple as the bees who pollenate, to the critters that eat the foliage. In addition "native" plants/trees will thrive and often do not require special attention.

FWIW - Greenworks is by far the BEST nursery in the area and you can't beat their prices, much less the quality of their plants/trees.