Philadelphia boasts a rich horticultural history. From colonial gardens to the world-famous Flower Show, our city takes pride in its vibrant plant life. But did you know that many of the popular landscaping choices can actually harm our local ecosystem? (looking at you English Ivy)
For centuries, the Philadelphia horticultural trade thrived on introducing new and exotic plants. While these additions brought undeniable beauty, many of them turned out to be invasive plants in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. These invaders often outcompete native species, disrupting the delicate balance that supports our local wildlife.
The good news is there's a way to have a beautiful yard that benefits the environment. Planting native plants is a fantastic alternative! Here's why native flora is the key to a thriving Philly yard:
A Haven for Wildlife: Native plants have co-evolved with local insects, birds, and pollinators. They provide essential food sources, like nectar and pollen, for these creatures. Consider creating a vibrant pollinator garden.
Low Maintenance Marvels: Adapted to our climate and soil conditions, native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than their non-native counterparts. This saves you time, money, and keeps harmful chemicals out of our waterways.
Natural Beauty All Year Round: Native plants come in a stunning variety, offering a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and shapes. From vibrant wildflowers to evergreen shrubs, you can create a beautiful landscape that changes with the seasons.
Erosion Fighters: Native plants often have deep root systems that help prevent soil erosion. This is especially important in urban areas where heavy rain can cause runoff issues.
Ready to transform your yard into a haven for nature? Here are some resources to get you started:
Choose Native Plants PA: This organization provides a searchable database of native plants for the Philadelphia region [https://choosenativeplants.com/].
Penn State Extension: Penn State offers extensive resources on native plants and landscaping [https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-native-plants-for-the-perennial-garden].
Bring Your Native Plant Dreams to Life with Keystone Permaculture
At Keystone Permaculture, we're passionate about creating beautiful and sustainable landscapes. Our team of experts can help you design, install, and maintain a native plant garden that will be an oasis for you and our pollinators!
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