Native plants in the garden? Much better for nature!

Choosing the right plants for your garden is an important decision. You hear more and more about native plants, but what exactly are they and why is it so important to include them in your garden? One thing is clear: these plants are essential for healthy biodiversity. Want to learn more about native plants? We'll tell you all about it in this blog!

What are native plants?

Native plants are plant species that naturally occur in a specific region. They are adapted to the soil, climate, and other environmental factors of that particular area. Many native insects depend on these native plants, which makes them so important. Each country or region has unique native plants. In Belgium, many native plants have traditionally been found here.

Why are there so few native plants?

There are several reasons why there are few native plants. We will mention three:

One of the main reasons is that people have lost awareness of the benefits of native plants and the importance of conserving native flora. Few people today understand the value and role of native plants for biodiversity.

Furthermore, the selective breeding of plants to achieve a " perfect species " has had a significant impact on plant supply. During the breeding process, the emphasis is primarily on cultivating non-native plant species that grow quickly, have large flowers, bloom for a long time, or are highly resistant to pests. These cultivated varieties now dominate the market and have diverted attention away from native plants.

Exotic plants had also been fashionable for years; having special plants in the garden or greenhouse was a sign of wealth. After all, everyone had native plants in their garden, which wasn't considered extravagant enough. This is why plants were increasingly taken on long journeys to be planted in the garden. As a result, native plants lost their concentration and space.

Examples of native plants in Belgium

Below, we list a number of examples of native plants.

Wild marjoram ( Origanum vulgare ): This aromatic plant has beautiful purple flowers and attracts butterflies and bees. It thrives in sunny gardens and requires little maintenance.

Cornflower ( Centaurea jacea ): A beautiful perennial with lilac flowers that attracts many butterflies. The plant grows well in various soil types and tolerates both sun and partial shade.

Meadow geranium ( Geranium pratense ): This graceful plant with blue or purple flowers blooms in summer and likes moist soil. It is a favorite of bees and other pollinators.

Purple loosestrife ( Lythrum salicaria ): With its upright purple flowers, purple loosestrife is a beautiful addition to gardens with moist soil. It attracts butterflies and bees and grows extremely well near water.

The importance of native plants

The presence of native plants is crucial for the survival of specific butterfly and bee species, such as the Cattail Fatfoot Bee. While honeybees can often benefit from several plant species, the Cattail Fatfoot Bee relies heavily on the native purple loosestrife for nectar and pollen. If the Cattail Fatfoot Bee is no longer available, it will also disappear. Furthermore, purple loosestrife is also a host plant for the blue tree. Therefore, conserving native plants is very important for the conservation of specific insects and for maintaining healthy biodiversity.

Three benefits of native plants

Adapted to local conditions : Over time, native plants have adapted to the specific conditions of a region. They are more resistant to local pests, diseases, and extreme weather conditions. As a result, they generally require less care and less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Supporting biodiversity : Native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for native animals, such as butterflies, bees, and birds. By planting native plants in your garden, you contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity. You create a healthy environment that supports native insect populations, thus preventing the extinction of these species.

Water conservation : Native plants are adapted to local rainfall. They often have deep roots that can draw water from the soil more efficiently. By choosing native plants, you can save a significant amount of water.

Choosing native plants for your garden offers numerous advantages. They are adapted to local conditions, support biodiversity, and conserve water. By selecting native plants, you are making a wise choice for a healthy and resilient garden, while also contributing to the preservation of natural diversity.