I am currently training to be a Master Gardener and am looking forward to being able to suggest to people who visit Master Gardener tables or demonstration gardens all the great native plants that will beautify their yards and gardens while attracting birds.  Often gardeners are attracted to the plants that boast – Trouble-free!  Insect and disease-resistant!  While no one wants to buy or deal with sickly, ugly plants, these offerings are usually exotic plants that may be beautiful but do nothing for our local environment.  Plants adapted to our local environment will thrive here while also attracting a few insects that will feed the birds as well as the nectar of their flowers and the eventual fruit or berries. 

NOTE: ALL newly planted plants will need supplemental water the first 2 or 3 summers – especially if we have another heat dome or prolonged days in the 80’s or 90’s.  Native plants will eventually not need supplemental water or fertilizer.  It IS important to choose “Right Plant, Right Place” since even natives can outgrow a space or crowd out other plants if not chosen carefully.

By planting natives, you avoid the problems of crowding that can spread disease when using only bird feeders to attract birds.  Baby birds need lots of protein – the tiny caterpillars found on natives are bite size!  Parent birds will be able to find tiny soft-bodied insects like aphids and larger beetles and spiders as their babies grow.  Natives seldom require pesticides which can harm pollinators and other living things – including us. 

Creating a habitat with various heights and species of plants – natives and non-natives – will attract a variety of species for you to enjoy while helping absorb carbon dioxide and other green house gases – a good thing all around! I hope to see you at a Master Gardener event! 

Nancy Streiffert