When I bought my townhome almost four years ago, I didn’t fully realize how much the little green space out back would change me. Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of plants. Some thrived, some failed, and some were just there to teach me a lesson. Zinnias, Lavender, Butterfly Bushes, Asters, and of course a Peggy Martin Rose. Lately, I’ve been thinking more about how I use my space and how to make every square foot count.
In the past, we have asked one thing of our gardens: that they be pretty.
-Doug Tallamy
Now they have to also support life, seqeuester carbon, feed pollinators, and manage water.”
In the last year, I’ve really gotten into backyard bird watching. It’s connected me to nature in a way I didn’t expect, and it’s also made me want to be more of a solution than a problem when it comes to the environment. That mindset shift is what led me to native plants.
What Is a Native Plant?
Native plants are the ones that naturally belong in your region. They’ve been growing there for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. They’ve adapted to the local soil, climate, and wildlife, and they play a huge role in keeping everything in balance.
A few pros of native plants:
- They usually need less water and maintenance once established
- They support native birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects
- They’re more resilient to local weather and pests
- They help improve soil health and reduce runoff
And some real considerations:
- They take time to settle in
- They might not match the “picture perfect” look we’re used to
- They’re sometimes harder to find at regular nurseries
Going native isn’t just about the plants. It’s about learning to trust nature’s way of doing things.
Native Plants and Birds: It’s All Connected
One of the most beautiful things I’ve learned is how native plants support bird life. When we plant natives, we attract the right bugs, which baby birds depend on to survive. Native shrubs provide berries and seeds as food, and native grasses offer nesting materials. Recently, I’ve been watching a Carolina Wren build its nest in my backyard bird house. As exciting as it it to watch it go back and forth adding and removing nesting material to prepare for its babies, its also exciting to know that I can help by adding plant material it can feed its babies with.
The more I pay attention, the more I see that it’s all one big circle. Native plants bring the bugs. The bugs feed the birds. The birds spread seeds. The plants grow. And around we go. It’s a system that works beautifully when we don’t get in the way.
Native Plants and the Environment
These plants were thriving here long before we started building fences, putting down turf grass, or bringing in plants from overseas. They were doing their thing by quietly solving environmental problems, protecting water sources, and supporting wildlife.
But when we replace them with plants that weren’t designed for this place, things start to fall out of balance. We see more erosion, more pest issues, and less wildlife. It’s not always obvious right away, but over time, the damage shows.
When I plant native, I’m saying, “I trust what was already working.” That’s been a powerful shift for me. It’s about remembering that nature often knows better than we do.
Aesthetic Matters: Finding My Style with Native Plant
Here’s where I get real with you. I love an English cottage garden. Roses, gardenias, lavender, and especially peonies makemy heart just light up. But in South Louisiana, that dreamy look isn’t always practical or sustainable.
So I’ve had to find a balance. And the good news is, it’s possible. Native plants can be beautiful. There are so many shapes, textures, and colors to work with. It just takes intention, education, and a willingness to try something new. I’m still learning how to blend my love for that soft, romantic aesthetic with the reality of what thrives here. It’s a creative challenge I’m learning to enjoy.
This Next Season
I’ve been excited about this shift, but I’ve also procrastinated. Because the truth is, doing this right takes focus. It takes planning. It’s not a throw-it-in-the-ground-and-hope-for-the-best kind of project.
But time waits for no one. The best time to start was yesterday. And now that I’m officially a certified Louisiana Native Plant Professional, I really don’t have any excuses.
If you’re just getting started, there are tons of resources out there. Your local Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, even garden centers are becoming more native-friendly. And of course, I’m here to help however I can.
My top tips if you’re thinking about going native:
Be open-minded. Your idea of beauty may evolve.
Be patient. Native plants don’t show off right away. They say:
First year, they sleep.
Second year, they creep.
Third year, they leap.
So give them time. Let your garden grow into itself. Learn as you go. Get your hands dirty. And most of all, have fun.
Because when we choose to garden with native plants, we’re choosing to be part of something bigger. We’re choosing to be the solution.
