Why Use Native Plants For Landscaping?

Native plants are grown from their wild relatives; their color, size, nectar, pollen production, and everything about them are authentic and have not been changed except by natural evolution. The benefits of native plants compared to hybrid and otherwise man cultivated species include a longer life span, less need for fertilizer and insecticides, increased aroma, drought resistant ( due to the very deep roots), easy to overwinter, generally disease free and the native birds, butterflies and bees love them.
Native plants are plants that have been growing here for many hundreds of years. Each area has its own native plants so in planting native plants you will want to make sure they are native to your area.

The prairies were self sustainable until the advent of plows and urban development removed most of them, leaving just a remnant of their former glory. Because native plants are so hardy they are also slow growing and require some patience to grow and establish. However as their root systems take hold (some roots go as deep as 20 feet) they will out shine any non native. Once established they will require much less maintenance than any traditional landscapes.

Some of the key benefits of using native plants:

· Provide habitat for native wildlife
· Beautiful view of waving grasses and blooming flowers
· Helps clean the air
· Helps clean the rainwater and runoff that goes to our aquifers
· Provides something of value for the next generation
Native grasses are also being tested as a possible bio fuel that would be economical and readily available. The research on this application of native grasses looks very promising and could be grown throughout the Midwest.
Ion Exchange Inc.

Celebrate Earth Day April 22nd

This is the 37th anniversary of Earth Day a world wide event that reminds people to conserve resources and preserve natural habitats. People around the world will celebrate Earth Day in many ways with festivals and community projects. All sorts of environmental ventures will be undertaken. If you are wondering what you can do, why not create a habitat for birds and other wildlife in your own back yard. The average back yard might see 15 or so different bird species. However with a little planning you can easily double that number or even triple it. To attract the greatest number of bird species, a habitat must provide at least one of each of these elements: food, water, shelter and a place to raise their young. Now is the perfect time to start to attract birds because many of the birds are returning from their fall and winter homes. They will be looking for food, water and shelter.
Offering food can be as simple as hanging a bird feeder in a tree or as ambitious as planting native wildflowers and shrubs. Providing a fresh supply of water with a birdbath will also increase the variety of bird visitors. Birds use water for more than just drinking; they also use it for bathing and preening their feathers. Clean feathers are important for birds’ health and optimum flying ability.
Landscaping for the ideal wildlife habitat should include plants ranging in size and density from small evergreen shrubs to tall, full-grown trees. The same plants that provide food and shelter can also provide safe areas for many species of wildlife to build nests and raise their families.
Visit your local library for books on birds in your area and their habits. Bird watching is something the entire family can enjoy and start the youngsters on the road to thinking about protecting their natural world.
For books on The Natural World visit Natural World Books for Native Plants and Seeds visit Ion Exchange