Ways to Help Bring Nature Close to Home

Help Nature in Your Own Community!

The following press release is from the Nature Conservancy of Canada, a volunteer organization seeking to preserve nature in Canada. However, the information proposed would apply anywhere in the world. Whatever plants are native to your country are the ones you should consider preserving.

As the mercury slowly rises, many people are making springtime plans for their lawns, backyards, flower beds and gardens. “No Mow” and “Slow Mow May” have been tried by many people over the past couple of springs. However, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is encouraging people to find new ways to naturalize their yards.

The not-for-profit land conservation organization says that growing native plants is a small act of conservation. It helps urban wildlife and biodiversity in many ways. About 80% of Canadians live in urban settings. As a result, what we choose to put into our yards and on our balconies can benefit the plants and animals that share our neighbourhoods.

Samantha Knight, NCC’s national conservation science manager, says actions we take close to home are beneficial. Plus, they can help some wildlife populations, improve the health of urban ecosystems and foster our connection with nature.

“We often think of the spaces where we live as separate from nature, but they are an integral part of the ecosystem. The plants we choose to grow will have a significant influence on the diversity and abundance of native wildlife. Native trees, shrubs and wildflowers support a greater diversity of pollinators and other insects than traditional horticultural plants. They are an opportunity to learn about local biodiversity.”

So, give biodiversity a big boost by devoting even a small portion of your lawn, garden or balcony planters to native species. NCC encourages people to challenge themselves to convert a portion of their growing space to a haven for native species. In that way, you support the plants, insects and animals that are our natural neighbours.

Here are some tips and things to consider when planning a native species garden:

• Find out what kind of soils and plant communities naturally occur locally. This will show you what sorts of native plants will do best in your garden.
• Many regions have native species councils and invasive species councils. They offer information on what plants to sow and what plants to avoid when planning a native garden. Visit the Canadian Council on Invasive Species “Be Plant Wise” program for more information.
• Garden centres and local native plant suppliers can tell you where their plants come from. And in what conditions they grow best. Sticking to plants adapted to growing locally is a good way to support regional biodiversity. And also to ensure your garden flourishes.
• Native plants have evolved alongside wild bees, butterflies and other pollinators. As a result, they provide better habitat than non-native ornamental varieties do.
• You can consult experts, read a book on local species. Or you use an app like iNaturalist to identify plants already growing in their yards. For details on some commonly found invasive species, visit NCC’s website.

“Spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health. Planting native gardens invites nature in and offers refuge for local wildlife. It’s a good way to connect to nature, get the whole family involved and watch the fruits of your labour flourish,” said Knight.