Description

Thinking About Going Native for Pollinators in Your Yard?
Caring for Creation by Mary Christopher

Do you know about the many benefits of growing native plants in your yard or garden? I know so many people who dream of a front yard that’s alive with color, texture, and movement, rather than a monotonous lawn that needs constant mowing and trimming. The good news is, it’s possible to create a space that’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and buzzing with life. All it takes is shifting from conventional turf grass to a vibrant, colorful native landscape.

Why Native Plants Are Worth It ...

Native plants are those that have evolved over thousands of years in a specific region, adapting to the local climate, soils, and wildlife. Because of this long history, they offer powerful benefits for both the land and the creatures who live on it.

1. Wildlife Support and Biodiversity

Native plants are the backbone of healthy ecosystems. They provide nectar, pollen, seeds, and shelter for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects that evolved alongside them.

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) offers nectar for bees and supports monarch caterpillars.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) provides cover for ground-nesting birds.
• Native asters, goldenrods, and coneflowers keep pollinators fed well into fall.

These plants don’t just “decorate” a yard—they help it function as a life-support system.

2. Low Maintenance and Water Efficiency

Once established, native plants need far less watering, fertilizer, and pest control than non-native ornamentals. They’re naturally adapted to the rainfall, temperature swings, and soil conditions of your region. That means more weekends enjoying your garden and fewer afternoons pushing a mower or dragging a hose.

3. Seasonal Beauty and Climate Resilience

Because different native species bloom throughout the seasons, your garden can provide year-round beauty. Early spring wildflowers feed emerging pollinators, summer blooms keep butterflies fluttering, and fall seed heads feed migrating birds. These plants also tend to handle weather extremes—heat waves, sudden cold snaps, and heavy rains—better than most exotics.

Native Plants by Climate and Soil

One of the best things about native plants is that there’s a match for almost every soil type and climate zone.

• Sandy soils – Many prairie and coastal species thrive here, like coreopsis and seaside goldenrod.
• Clay soils – Tough natives like black-eyed Susan, switchgrass, and blazing star handle heavy, slow-draining ground.
• Dry climates – Desert species such as penstemon, desert marigold, and milkweed flourish with minimal water.
• Humid regions – Swamp milkweed, ironweed, and native hibiscus thrive in wetter, richer soils.

Top Picks for the Southeast (Attracts Butterflies and Beneficial Insects)

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Bright orange blooms for monarchs and bees.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Long bloom time, attracts butterflies and seed-eating birds.
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – Monarch host plant that thrives in damp soil.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Blooms summer into fall, draws native bees.
• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) – Tall, pollinator magnet with soft purple flower heads.

Top Picks for the Southwest (Attracts Butterflies and Beneficial Insects)

• Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) – Sunny blooms loved by native bees.
• Penstemon (Penstemon spp.) – Tubular flowers perfect for hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Gregg’s Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) – Attracts clouds of queen butterflies.
• Desert Milkweed (Asclepias subulata) – Crucial for monarchs in arid regions.
• Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) – White flowers followed by feathery seed heads, supports pollinators and birds.

Where to Learn and Get Started

Getting started with native plants is easier when you connect with local experts and resources.

• Native Plant Societies – Most states have active chapters, offering plant lists, garden tours, and seed swaps. Examples:
  • Georgia Native Plant Society – gnps.org
  • Native Plant Society of New Mexico – npsnm.org
  • Arizona Native Plant Society – aznps.com
• Native Plant Nurseries – Look for nurseries that specialize in locally grown natives rather than “wild-collected” plants. Many offer seasonal sales.
• Master Gardener Programs – Offered through Cooperative Extension offices, these programs provide training and volunteer opportunities for gardeners who want to learn and share sustainable landscaping practices.

By planting natives, you’re not just adding beauty to your yard—you’re restoring a piece of the natural world. Every milkweed, coneflower, or native grass you plant offers a lifeline to wildlife and reduces your environmental footprint. Going native isn’t just a gardening choice; it’s a small but powerful act of caring for creation.

Mary teaches mindfulness and spiritual practices 

and offers individual coaching.

Through her “Caring for Creation” podcast, she shares practices

for connecting with the earth and our spirituality.