One of the most important aspects of responsible gardening is understanding what plants we put in our gardens and landscapes. Every plant has a story to tell, and we should make sure – before we plant– that we know all we need to know about them. Not just their preferences for soil, light, nutrients, and climate, but also how they will interact with our environment.
There is a lot of debate about whether we should plant only natives, and the answer depends on who you are. As a nursery grower, I am fond of both natives and non-native plants, as so many can have a place of their own in our gardens.
Native Plants
Native plants occur naturally in the environment in a region and have lived alongside wildlife for thousands of years. Because of this symbiotic relationship between plants and animals, native plants provide the best food and habitat for our native pollinators – bees, birds, and insects that play a role in our ecological systems.
Plants like Black-eyed Susans, Yarrow, Native Milkweed, and Elderberry provide natural food sources for the beneficials right in our own backyards.
Non-Native Plants
Many of our beloved garden plants are non-native, which means that they were introduced. Our camellias, tea plants, roses, chaste, citrus, herbs, and even some fruit trees were introduced from other regions of the world. When non-natives behave and do not spread into areas or choke out native plants, they can easily maintain their space in our environment without causing harm.
The important factor in maintaining a proper balance is to choose plants that provide value without becoming invasive.
Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are typically non-natives that have been introduced, and usually don’t play well with others. They are easily spread by roots, rhizomes, or seeds. Examples of popular non-native plants that are extremely difficult to control and tend to take over areas are Chinese privet, kudzu, running bamboo, eleagnus, Chinese wisteria, Japanese honeysuckle, and even some water plants like water hyacinth.
They can escape cultivation and spread into forests, wetlands, roadsides, and other natural habitats, replacing the food and habitat for many of our valuable pollinators.
Not All Plants Are Invasive Everywhere
Whether you should be concerned about a particular invasive plant depends on where you live. A plant that is considered invasive in one region may not be invasive in another.
One excellent resource for Georgia gardeners is the Georgia Invasive Species Council. Their website provides current information about invasive species, for plants, animals & insects, and management recommendations for our state.
Visit: https://gainvasivespeciescouncil.org/
Finding The Balance
It is up to us to protect our environment and keep a stable ecosystem. You do that through learning what you should plant and what might be a problem. Responsible gardening doesn’t mean eliminating every non-native plant from the landscape, but rather making informed choices!
By incorporating native plants where possible, enjoying well-behaved non-native plants, and avoiding invasive species, we can create beautiful gardens that support both people and the natural world.
For more gardening information, visit our website The Southern Garden Guide by Blackcreek Nursery~ A resource for gardeners in the southeastern coastal plains.
