WILD FOR FLOWERS

It is the time of year when garden books start arriving in mailboxes, teasing us that spring is coming.  This year as you indulge in garden daydreams, consider the pleasures available here at home.  The Ozarks is home to a rich assortment of native plants including shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers that can be used to enhance your landscaping. 

Native plants are those that naturally occur and have evolved in an area.  Because they have evolved here, native plants are naturally well suited to our temperatures, soil conditions, and rainfall.  They don’t require pesticides or fertilizers.  When planted appropriately, they can survive the stresses of hot weather and droughts without a lot of extra care. 

By using native species, you may help save some plants from extinction and reduce the number of aggressive and potentially destructive exotics planted.  Thousands of dollars are spent each year in Arkansas trying to knock back invasive plants that take over areas, altering habitats, and reducing biodiversity.  Just think about kudzu.  Talk about a nightmare!

Using native plants in your landscaping is good not only for plants but wildlife benefits too.  Many of our native plants provide food for butterflies and birds, attracting them to your yard.  For example, the pawpaw is the only host for the zebra swallowtail.  The happy orange flowers of the butterfly milkweed are a butterfly magnet.  The lavender aster attracts over 20 butterfly species.  Hummingbirds love the red buckeye so much they will defend them!

If you think that using native plants will limit your options, don’t despair.  We are in the transition zone between western prairie grasslands and eastern forests.  Because our state is home to both prairies and forests, we have over 2,000 different species of native plants.  How is that for variety?  For more information on native plants visit  www.grownative.org or your local wildflower nursery.