A Guide to Buying Outdoor Plants: Supporting Nature, Wildlife, and People

When we garden, the choices we make can have a far-reaching impact—not only on our outdoor spaces but also on the ecosystems around us. If we choose our plants mindfully, we can do more than just beautify our homes; we can protect wildlife, foster biodiversity, and even nourish ourselves and our communities. 

Let’s explore some key considerations when buying outdoor plants, from avoiding insecticide-treated plants to selecting those that support local wildlife and ecosystems.

Choosing Chemical-Free Nurseries: The First Step to a Healthy Garden

It’s easy to feel tempted to buy plants from any conveniently located nursery, but it’s vital to choose those that prioritize sustainable, chemical-free practices. Plants grown with insecticides can do more harm than good, not only in your garden but throughout the ecosystem. Insecticides don’t discriminate—they kill both harmful pests and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are crucial for pollination and maintaining biodiversity.

When purchasing plants, ask nurseries the right questions, such as: Do you use insecticides on your plants? and Where are your plants sourced from? Many large-scale growers use chemicals that linger in the soil and impact surrounding wildlife for years. Opt for nurseries that support organic practices, which means they don’t use harmful chemicals and instead rely on natural methods to manage pests.

Why Native Plants Should Be Your Go-To Choice

Native plants are essential to every ecosystem. They’ve evolved over centuries to thrive in their specific regions, which makes them naturally resistant to local pests and climate conditions. Because of this, native plants often require less water, fewer fertilizers, and little to no pesticides, making them incredibly low-maintenance once established.

But their benefits go beyond the convenience factor. Native plants are essential for supporting local wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and small animals. When you plant species that are familiar to the ecosystem, you’re providing food and habitat for the creatures that depend on them. In contrast, non-native or ornamental plants often fail to support the local biodiversity, leaving pollinators and animals without the resources they need. At worst, non-native plants can also actively harm native species by disrupting ecosystems.

Resources for Finding Native Plants

If you’re unsure where to start, finding native plants for your region can be as easy as reaching out to local experts. Many organizations focus on promoting native plants, and they can point you in the right direction. Here are a few valuable resources to help you get started:

• Audubon Native Plant Database: This tool allows you to search for plants native to your specific area, along with recommendations for how to use them in your garden.

• National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder: Enter your zip code, and this resource will suggest plants that support the highest number of local pollinators.

• Local Extension Offices: These regional offices often have information specific to your location, including native plant sales and events.

• Native Plant Societies: Many states and regions have organizations dedicated to promoting and preserving native plants.

By tapping into these resources, you’ll ensure that your garden not only thrives but also contributes to the health of your local environment.

Plant with a Purpose: Choose More Than Just Ornamentals

While it’s easy to focus on the aesthetics of a garden, planting with purpose can yield far greater rewards. Instead of choosing plants solely for their looks, consider how they can support both the environment and your household.

Start by selecting plants that attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Flowers like milkweed, lavender, and coneflowers are fantastic choices for supporting bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of many crops and natural ecosystems. Planting these species not only adds beauty to your garden but also plays a critical role in supporting biodiversity.

For those looking to grow plants that give back in more ways than one, consider edible varieties that also support wildlife. Plants like berry bushes, fruit trees, and herbs provide food for both humans and animals alike. For example, blueberry bushes attract pollinators with their flowers in the spring, feed wildlife with their berries, and can still produce enough for you to enjoy.

A garden designed to nourish both you and local wildlife transforms your outdoor space into a thriving habitat for all living things.

Choose Gardening That Gives Back

When buying outdoor plants, making mindful choices can lead to a healthier, more sustainable environment. By choosing insecticide-free nurseries, selecting native plants that support local wildlife, and planting species that nourish both people and pollinators, you’re contributing to a garden that’s beautiful, beneficial, and balanced.

Let’s move beyond ornamental gardens to outdoor spaces that support ecosystems, wildlife, and even our own kitchens. Together, we can create gardens that are not only visually stunning but also a vital part of the natural world around us.