Why should I "Go Native?"
Native species are better for our environment than exotics for several reasons:
- Native plants provide shelter and food for a number of native animals
- Many exotic, decorative plants do not provide the proper food source, if any, at the right time of year as native plants. Exotic palm trees, for example, which represent a majority of landscaping in Florida, do not provide shade, food, or habitat for most native wildlife.
- Native plants conserve water and save money
- Native plants have adapted over many years to survive well in South Florida's heat and extended dry season without any irrigation (Nearly one-half of our residential water usage goes toward irrigation!) By planting natives you will conserve both water and money each billing cycle. Additionally, natives do not need to be removed or replaced seasonally.
- Native plants require little or no pesticides or fertilizers
- Excess fertilizer and pesticide runoff into our waterways or absorption into our groundwater poses a major problem for South Florida. Fertilizer runoff promotes unnatural algae growth and negatively affects the natural balance of our waterways. Many pesticides are toxic and, when used improperly, kill beneficial wildlife or enter the food chain. Here the toxins become absorbed in the bodies of wildlife and eventually our own bodies. Native plants are suited to grow beautifully in South Florida's climate and soil without the addition of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Many native plants are hurricane resistant
- One of the most visible aspects of hurricane damage is the dramatic loss of vegetation. Want to preserve your beautiful landscape? Although you may lose your landscape regardless of what you plant, you have a much higher chance of preserving your precious trees if you utilize natives.
- Native plants preserve our heritage
- Native plants make South Florida unique.They provide us with a sense of place and history that can be passed onto future generations.
Less work, less money, and better for the environment, I'm sold!
"Going Native" is more than just choosing native plants for your yard. Going native is having respect for the uniqueness of your local environment and understanding in a profound way the impact your choices have on the health of our environment.