Why? Native plants are an essential part of the ecosystem.  Insects prefer natives over exotic imported plants.  Of course, if insects can't find food, then the birds can't find insects, and well you get the picture!

A good book written on this topic: 
“Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife With Native Plants” by Douglas Tallamy, Professor of entomology and wildlife at University of Delaware.

What’s in it for me?  Native plants know their way around town.  They can grow without much of your help.  They don’t demand hefty amounts of water/fertilizer. 

So, when you are getting ready to stick your fingers back into the dirt this year, consider natives.  There are many resources available to check out while you wait for the ground to thaw.  

We happen to have a wonderful local resource.  Dale Batchelor owns Gardener By Nature, and along with her husband John Thomas, created a wonderful teaching garden, Swiftbrook, in Southwest Raleigh.  

Both are retired teachers following their passion.  They are dedicated to the protection and propagation of native plants. In addition to helping people design sustainable gardens, they spend countless hours volunteering.  This sometimes involves rescuing plants from construction sites.  

They were gracious enough to let me photograph their beautiful garden this past summer/fall.  
Please enjoy the brief slideshow video of Swiftbrook Gardens…may it provide inspiration!

Also, visit www.gardenerbynature.com where you’ll find loads of resources.  Dale also leads workshops that can get you on your way to having a more environmentally friendly, sustainable garden.