Why grow native plants?
Put simply, native plants evolved over thousands of years in the same environment with the local bugs, birds, bees, and butterflies that they are supporting. Or, as put more eloquently by the MN DNR – Native plants work well for many landscaping and wildlife habitat plantings, because once established they seldom need watering, mulching, protection from frost or continuous mowing. Native plants produce nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife. In contrast, many common horticultural plants do not produce nectar and often require insect pest control to survive. The deep roots of many native plants hold soil and prevent erosion, and they help control stormwater by taking up water that might otherwise pour into streets and, eventually, streams and lakes.
Lawns to Legumes is a planting for pollinators grant program that Blue Thumb facilitates with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Any Minnesotan can apply to receive reimbursement for native planting projects and support at-risk pollinators like the monarch butterfly and rusty patched bumble bee. View a print-ready program overview here.
Here are some very good tips about planting a pollinator garden from our friends at Blazing Star Nursery
No Mow May – what is it and does it actually help pollinators? The Xerces Society provides a thorough review of the practice – good and bad
One of the most valuable things you can do to support pollinators and other invertebrates is to provide them with the shelter they need to survive the winter. Thankfully, that’s pretty easy; all you need to do is do less yard work — Leave the leaves!
Looking for some help Creating a native garden: Wild Ones has some ideas for you.
Homegrown National Park (HNP) raises awareness and urgently inspires everyone to address the biodiversity crisis by adding native plants and removing invasive ones where we live, work, learn, pray, and play.