EcoBlog
The latest thinking on ecological landscapes. Useful tips to improve our environment
Multiple Duty Native Plants: The EcoBeneficial Gardener’s Secret Weapon
It’s that time of year when we start to think about spring planting. How do you choose the best plants to improve the ecosystem in your own yard? Choosing native plants which are “environmental workhorses” will not only help improve your ecosystem, but will also reward you with more birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and other critters in your yard. When considering plants, first ask:
- Is the plant native to my region, supporting the natural ecosystem?
- Is this the right plant for the site I am considering (sun level, moisture conditions, soil type, hardiness, etc.)
Then, see if this plant is an environmental workhorse:
Does the plant offer nectar and pollen for bees, beneficial insects, hummingbirds, etc?
- Does the plant produce nuts, seeds, fruit, berries, etc., providing a food source for wildlife?
- Does the plant offer a nesting site or cover for birds, or other wildlife?
- Will the plant help with erosion control and storm water runoff?
If a plant provides several of these functions, it’s a great candidate for an EcoBeneficial Garden.
Happy Planting from Kim Eierman at EcoBeneficial!
Photo: Honeybee on Common Buttonbush
Photo credit: wolfpix/Flickr
More from EcoBlog
Plant-Smart & Water-Wise: The Art of Sustainable Watering
During the hot, dry days of summer you may feel the urge to pull out the garden hose and water everything in sight. Perhaps you have an in-ground sprinkler system that does the job for you, often running on a timer, watering whether irrigation is needed or not. According to…
Where Are the Bees, Butterflies and Other Insects? Facts & Tips
From individual observations to published research, the situation seems clear – insect populations are declining across the globe. It’s a crisis that gets little play in the media, surpassed daily by “news” of unhinged political tweets or the latest Kardashian romance. Anecdotal evidence is abundant – recent posts on NABA Chat…
Going Beyond Sustainability: The Essentials of EcoBeneficial Gardening
Spring is just around the corner. A late season snowstorm might sneak in, or perhaps we’ll jump right into to a string of unseasonably warm days. With climate change, the timing of spring is increasingly hard to predict. Don’t let the growing season catch you by surprise this year. Start…