After decades of ornamental plantings, many gardeners are refocusing on native plant species to encourage pollinators and improve the health of their outdoor environments. Thanks to growing awareness of the value of native plants and wildlife, local nurseries are stocking more plants that support biodiversity, and some have stopped selling invasive species.
The explosion of information online can be overwhelming, so we have gathered some resources to help you learn more.
BOOKS
Published just this year, Plant This, Not That offers more than 200 native plant swaps anywhere in the contiguous United States. The author, Elise Howard, says, “This is a book of recommendations for the native plant curious.” It sounds like a perfect resource to help you get started.
Many gardeners today want a home landscape that nourishes and fosters wildlife, but they also want beauty, a space for the kids to play, privacy, and maybe even a vegetable patch. The Living Landscape (Rick Darke & Doug Tallamy) shows you strategies for making and maintaining a diverse, layered landscape.
For more inspiration, check out our previous blog post: Spring is Budding: 7 Inspiring Reads for the Modern Gardener and Nature Lover.
WEBSITES
The old hardiness zones that gardeners relied on for decades span large areas of the United States and may not be specific enough for our region. This is where online resources shine. Here are some national and local sites recommended by native plant advocates:
- The Biota of North America Program (BONAP)
- National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder
- North American Native Plant Society
- The Botanical Society of Washington
- Maryland Native Plant Society
- Virginia Native Plant Society
- Plant Virginia Natives
- West Virginia Native Plant Society
The internet is also a good source for native plant nurseries with directories of local retailers, as well as trustworthy sources for ordering online.
- Garden for Wildlife (associated with the National Wildlife Federation)
- The Plant Native
- The Xerces Society
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Many local governments and community organizations are working to remove invasive species in public lands. If you are interested in volunteering in our area to clear out the unwanted or plant new natives, check out these sites:
- DC Natives
- Maryland Native Plant Society
- Sierra Club MD Chapter
- Arlington County Invasive Plant Removal
- Fairfax County Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program
