Native Meadow
Why plant natives?
- Aesthetics and Longevity- Native flowers are not only beautiful with a wide range of colors, textures and forms; they often provide interest for multiple seasons of the year.
- Less Maintenance- Native plants require less over-all maintenance and reduce the need for irrigation, pesticides, fertilizer and mowing.
- Adaptable- Native plants tolerate a wide range of light, soil, temperature and moisture requirements.
- Wildlife- Native plants provide food and shelter for many insects, birds, amphibians and small mammals throughout the growing season.
Benefits of This Garden
- Plant diversity in an area that was once a monoculture of high-maintenance turf grass.
- Controls flooding and erosion.
- Filters groundwater for sediment, chemical deposits and nutrients before it enters the storm drains.
- Improves water infiltration in the soil.
- Increase bird and pollinator species.
- Directly and indirectly reduces carbon emissions.
What else could you find in the garden?
- Pollinators such as butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles and bees.
- Small mammals such as Eastern Moles, Eastern Chipmunk, Prairie Voles, Southeastern Shrews, Meadow Jumping Mice and North American Deermice.
- Birds such as Eastern Meadowlark, Northern Bobwhite, Field Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Prairie Warbler and Red-winged Blackbird.
National Wildlife Federation Habitat