Even with increased awareness of humanity’s effect on the environment, there is still hesitation to change the way we garden. Habitat loss is a major contributor to declining animal and plant populations and we can help combat that in our backyards. Gardening can improve food and shelter for local fauna, give pollinators better options, reduce the spread of invasive species, help minimize maintenance efforts, teach you about regional wildlife, and make your yard a more interesting place to spend time.
Choosing native plants for your home landscape is a great way to improve local biodiversity. They have been shown to sustain more pollinators and birds than non-natives. In fact, many pollinators rely on plants they co-evolved with for reproduction and survival. For example, Monarch butterflies famously are dependent on milkweed to survive while they are caterpillars. This is not a trait that is unique to Monarchs and many butterflies and native bees select certain plants based on flower shapes, colors and even variations in the pollen. So, a wider variety of plants will appeal to a wider variety of pollinators.
Our continuous economic growth comes with continuous expansion into native habitats to build more subdivisions, roads, and industry. This urban sprawl breaks apart habitats, changes microclimates and sometimes completely removes unique flora and fauna. What was relatively undisturbed stretches of meadow, woodland, streams and lakes, containing a balanced ecosystem, becomes numerous individual properties separated by asphalt and fencing, and dotted with new buildings and sterile plant beds and expanses of grass.
In addition, poisons are often added to attempt to control weeds and pests and synthetic fertilizers to then spur growth of plants that were purely selected based on their aesthetic value rather than their value to local animal life. The influx of people into the newly developed areas also increases light and noise pollution and adds exhaust fumes into the air. Each of these adding stress and obstacles to animal and plant life still trying to survive.
I’m not going to suggest we stop doing the things that provide us with the benefits of modern life. Humans have as much a right to be on this planet as other species and we should not feel guilty simply for existing here. That would be ridiculous. However, it is in our best long term interest to ensure we reach a balance in how we approach life and that means we foster as great a level of biodiversity as we can.
Choosing to restore even a small section of your yard with native plants can help native pollinators and birds find the food and cover they need to survive. If enough people revert to native plants, small, welcoming habitats can begin to form chains through our developments and help to heal those landscapes. It doesn’t just benefit the wildlife, we benefit from being closer to nature as well. There is growing research that shows numerous health benefits to spending time outdoors and interacting in natural surroundings. Simply being outside can help reduce stress, blood pressure, and anger. It can also help us feel more connected and present.
It’s critical that we recognize the importance of maintaining balance with the natural world, considering we are a part of it and rely on it to survive. Starting with small changes like planting more native plants can be a helpful step towards that balance, and you may even get more enjoyment from a more interesting and active space.
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