Being outdoors anywhere in Virginia, you can find yourself in awe of the diversity of native plant species. From the light streaming through loblolly pines to the bristly spartina cordgrass growing along sand dunes, Virginia’s native plants are beautiful and environmentally friendly. The good news is that everyone, from toddlers to experienced gardeners, can experience the beauty, diversity, and sustainable benefits of these native plants in their own backyard.

Download the Virginia Native Plant Society’s Native Plants for Northern Virginia guide!

So… What Makes a Plant “Native?”

Native plants are plants that have been growing in an area for a long period of time, typically over thousands of years.

In Virginia, however, any plant that was growing here prior to European settlement is considered to be a native. Native plants are well adapted to climate, light, and soil conditions, but more importantly, they are the basis of a healthy, thriving ecosystem.

Benefits of Native Plants: Low Maintenance

Native plants often require less maintenance compared to non-native species. The robust and deep root systems of natives are very well adapted to our local climate. This allows natives to thrive in conditions with fluctuating weather patterns such as drought and flooding.

Another advantage to being low maintenance? You can say goodbye to weeds running rampant in your garden! Native plants are not invasive and, if planted effectively, can crowd out some invasive species.

One of the best examples of this is native grass sections planted in traditional lawns. Native grasses provide better soil retention and erosion control in your garden so you don’t have to worry about your lawn washing away.

Some wonderful native grasses or traditional lawn alternatives include:

• Pennsylvania Sedge
• Path rush
• Giant Plume Grass

Benefits of Native Plants: Unique and Sustainable Curb Appeal

Native plants can provide visual beauty during any time of the year. There are so many different varieties of Virginia perennials, ground covers, and foliage to explore. From honeysuckle to hydrangeas, each native has its own special seasonal interest such as flower shapes and fragrances, bold autumn color or winter bark. By the way, Reston Farm Garden Market has a wide selection of native plants suiting your exact needs and your aesthetic.

Virginia native plants that could be a beautiful addition to your garden include:

• Common Milkweed
• Marsh Marigold
• Virginia Blue Flag Iris
• Wild Strawberry
• Cinnamon Fern • Check out our video on the fab Cinnamon Fern!

Benefits of Native Plants: Improve Local Water Quality and Combat Erosion

Do your part for the Chesapeake Bay watershed by planting native species! Their well-adapted root systems are crucial to recharging groundwater systems. Deep roots allow water to soak into the soil more effectively, reducing yard flooding and soil erosion.

Choosing to include native plants in your garden also helps filter pollutants from your runoff and prevents toxic chemicals from ending up in our waterways. Even with this small action, you can reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff. The crabs, oysters, and other aquatic friends living in our waterways will thank you.

Wildflowers such as butterfly weed and coneflowers are able to effectively hold beneficial nutrients in the soil while filtering out pollution. Their strong roots aid in soil retention, aerate the soil, and keep nutrients in place that could be washed away from flooding or rain storms.

Benefits of Native Plants: Support Local Biodiversity

Native plants benefit more wildlife species than non-native plants because of the specific food and shelter they provide. Local trees, shrubs, and vines that feed insects, birds, and animals are essential for maintaining biodiversity.

When there are fewer native plants in an area, the more local wildlife struggles. The tiny black capped chickadee, specifically, has trouble maintaining its numbers due to a lack of native plants in our ecosystem. They rely on native plants for insects and other foraged food that is unavailable in heavily contrived landscapes.

Planting natives attracts local wildlife that chickadees and other species need to survive and thrive.

Mother Nature May Know a Thing Or Two…

Native plants are important to our local ecosystem and the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed. They are low maintenance because of their high adaptability to our climate, and they encourage other species of wildlife to flourish.

So, the next time you’re in the market for some new ferns, foliage, or flowers, consider planting native species. You won’t just be adding a new plant to your garden, you’ll be protecting the earth for future generations to enjoy.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about native plants, your friends at the Garden Market are happy to help!