If you were to look up the origins of all the plants in your yard, you might be surprised to find that most of them hail from Europe, Asia, and South America. Those plants evolved over eons to work in cooperation with the regions’ insects and wildlife.

Our native species here in the US—birds, bugs, bees—don’t recognize these showy imports as food. Their nectar and pollen are not prime nutrition for our creatures here that need it. Their leaves are often indigestible to moth and butterfly larvae.

Going a step further, many of these plants out-compete our native plants and trees year after year. And our native creatures leave, weaken, or starve. What does it take to bring native plants and trees back?

Plant natives! Learn what natives grow in your area, and the care they need (usually far less than imported species!). Start by adding just a few to your current yard, garden, pasture, or balcony space. We suspect you will become a fan!