More And More Nurseries Are Encouraging Gardeners To Use Native Plants, And Why Not?

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Natives not only add sizzling colors to gardens from spring to fall, but also restore lost connections between plants and wildlife.

Alabama is one of the most diverse states in the country and the most diverse of those east of the Mississippi. From the coastal plains in the south, to the hills and mountains of the north, and the well over 200,000 miles of rivers and streams in between, our "natural gardens" nurture hundreds of plants-delicate ferns, exotic orchids, beautiful lilies, weird insect-eating plants and some of the most stately and graceful trees and shrubs in the world. Because Alabama’s treasure trove of native plants is so diverse, we have a wonderful array of beautiful and interesting plants to choose from for our gardens. Gardening with native plants is no longer the domain of a select few wildflower  enthusiasts but has become a mainstream activity for all gardeners. We have become increasingly aware of the importance of native plants in the survival of birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.

These plants which are well adapted to live with our soils, climate, rainfall, and so on, are the very foundation of our ecosystems providing the food for butterfly larva, nectar and pollen for bees, and a variety of essential insects that birds feed to their babies. Where native plants have declined, there are fewer birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. As cities, suburbs, and agriculture has grown, we have reduced the available native plants that support our wildlife and ultimately ourselves.

Planting more natives in our gardens is a way to compensate for that increasing destruction of natural areas. In the following pages are just a few ideas on what plants you can grow, depending on the proportion of sun and shade in your garden. There are many colorful plants to choose from and combinations that will keep your garden flowering from spring to fall.