The Importance of Indigenous Planting

Plants are the foundation of any ecosystem, no matter where in the world it is located. All animal life, including birds, insects, lizards, and mammals are inextricably linked to their native environment and depend on its perfect balance for survival.

It's no wonder that not only animal wildlife is diminishing, but also problems with soil erosion, weed intrusion to detriment of other plantlife, and insect infestation are running rampant in mankind's constant destructive path of deforestation, mining, farming, building, and quarrying.
Even if we would stop development globally today,the environmental chaos already brought on by our destruction is leading to more destruction without us. We hear of the wood boring beetles throughout areas of North America and Canada, destroying acre upon acre of pine trees.

Since the emergence of civilization thousands of years ago, the land has been constantly modified by people. Much of clearing and cultivation has been carried out with little knowledge or attention to the long-term consequences. Sprawling continues to be a common problem when planning communities, because new homes are planned to operate in isolation of one another and of the larger area they occupy and impact such as neighboring forest and farmland.

We must think and plan carefully to combat the enormous problems of habitat loss as nations, states and provinces, local communities, and citizens.
If we want to save our native ecosystems, we must first proactively establish and re-establish our native plants in areas large enough to be sustainable to all life, including humans. We must also guard areas where natural ecosystems still exist at any cost, since these will be the resources from which we can network our native flora and fauna to weave throughout our urban and suburban cities, towns, and rural regions.

How can our modern landscape be made both more beautiful, yet a more functional environment? We need to encourage a trend of more people consciously growing indigenous plants in their own gardens and work towards re-introducing natural ecosystems into home gardens.
Replanting is already taking place with mixtures of native trees on properties and their boundaries, along roadsides and creeks, and on wasteland. We just need to do more of the same, and be creative in our own yards.

Using indigenous plants wherever possible not only improves the ecological cohesion and function, but it should give us a sense of regional and national pride and place exclusive to our land. This must be the core planning model for landscape architects and designers,local councils,and private citizens.

Each country's landscape and its plants are different from those of other countries, and we must make more effort to keep it that way. In countries where tourism and outdoor recreation are an integral part of the economy, indigenous ecosystems attract their business.
Plants that are native to their specific region are tougher, usually require less water and can survive without cultivation. They are naturally adapted to the soils and climate of their region. They resist invasive weeds and insect pests that would otherwise threaten the ecosystem. This plantlife attracts the native wildlife which has a balanced predatory sytem, keeping destructive vermin out of the area.

Although they may co-exist nicely, plants introduced from non-native areas should be carefully evaluated before placing them in the local ecosystem. If not correctly selected, introduced plants may demand more water, more fertilizer, and can become environmental weeds as they leach precious resources from the environment that other organisms need to survive. Plants such as these may take over a region and become costly to remove.

In order to grow a more sustainable garden or environment, you will have to do some research of your local area. Most nurseries have a very limited stock of native plants and sometimes none at all. Engaging your local nursery owner in your interest in growing indigenous plants and requesting a source may help.

Colleges and Universities which have horticultural curricula and teach landscape design should have an emphasis on preserving our native landscape and ecosystems using native plants. Consulting with these and publications on the subject may help you in your planning.

Growing indigenous plants creates a more appropriate biological diversity. When planning your urban or rural garden, although imported plants are often popular and available consider blending some plants indigenous to your area.