Planting native provides vital and important habitats that support many songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, pollinators and other beneficial wildlife. A greater variety of birds and butterflies will visit and linger, and insect pests will be kept under control by insect-eating birds, which reduces the need for pesticides. Ultimately you create an organic sustainable approach to gardening with a balanced ecosystem. In addition, native plant gardens enhance landscapes, support the natural food web, manage storm water, and improve soil health.
Although the food we provide in feeders to our backyard birds is very much appreciated by our feathered friends, it is only a small fraction of food consumed in wild birds diets. Songbirds need insects to thrive, and with native plants, shrubs and trees you can better nourish the insects that they love. Planting native also offers fat and protein rich seeds, shelter and nesting habitat. Round out your native plantings by offering varieties of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the separate seasons. Fall bloomers in particular are often overlooked and many migrating birds really need those resources. As an added bonus many are also attractive to our pollinators.
Plant flowering plants that offer blooms from early spring to late fall.
Avoid hybrids that are double blossomed. The overlapping petals make it difficult for butterflies and hummingbirds to access the nectar, and most of these are sterile hybrids that do not set seeds.
Berry producing plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies during flowering. Later the berries provide a source of sugar for migrating birds. Trees that hold dried berries provide extra food sources for winter foraging.
Trees give shelter, nesting sites, escape cover and sources of food. Native trees encourage native insects and wildlife, which enhances the food web and menu choices for our birds.
Native plantings don't have to be exclusive to a large yard or space. You can provide a small patch in container gardens. Every little bit helps. Here are some tips for success and ideas from the Missouri Prairie Foundation.
Creating a wildlife habitat in your backyard is fun, rewarding and can make a big difference. Learn how and help #Savethesongbirds! https://www.wbu.com/certify-your-yard/
Most of the organizations on this list suggest varieties of native plants that will perform best in your area, (right plant, right place) as well as where to find true native plants. These organizations are a wealth of information for planning your unique garden spaces and finding sources for native plants. Consider certifying your yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat upon successful inclusion of the guidelines of the National Wildlife Federation. Provide the four habitat components-food, water cover and places to raise young-and practice sustainable gardening techniques such as eliminating pesticides, conserving water and planting native species.
Figuring out which Native Plants to plant for your area can be a bit of a challenge. Some of the best and easiest to use resources we have found thus far are from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , the Xerces Society, and grownative.org. All of these resources have filter menus that allow you to customize everything from sun/shade qualifiers, to state/region, to soil moisture content levels. Putting the right plant in the right place will increase your success rate. Once you have your list of potential contenders, check the plants/seeds availability at the local suppliers listed below. 2021 Native Plant sales in our area are listed on our page here.
