Can You Have Too Many Native Plants in Your Landscape?

In a phrase, no. Not after we’re speaking about our city and suburban areas, the place pure habitat is shrinking and birds are struggling to search out what they should survive. A panorama wealthy with native vegetation turns into greater than a fairly yard; it turns into an oasis. Birds, butterflies, bees, and numerous different species depend on these vegetation for meals, shelter, and nesting websites. And the advantages don’t cease with wildlife. Native landscapes assist cool our cities, take in floodwater, and enhance the air we breathe.  

At Dogwood Canyon Audubon Middle, we’ve seen firsthand how highly effective these modifications may be. One in all our most profitable efforts to develop bird-friendly communities is our Native Plant Sale. In 2025 alone, practically 5,800 vegetation went residence with group members throughout our spring and fall occasions. That represents about 600 purchases, many from returning gardeners who maintain increasing their native landscapes. Earlier than every sale, we provide native plant walks and landscaping courses to assist individuals plan their gardens with confidence.  

The momentum is unmistakable. Extra residents are decreasing turfgrass and changing it with native species. As neighborhoods fill in with these vegetation, they create dwelling corridors that join our remaining pure areas. Defending locations just like the 200 acres at Dogwood Canyon is important, however declining fowl populations inform us that conservation can’t cease at park boundaries. Each yard, balcony, and shared inexperienced house issues. Each house helps bend the fowl curve in the correct path.  

How You Can Assist Birds Thrive at House  

• Add native vegetation to your panorama and take away nonnative or invasive species. A small water characteristic or birdbath could make an excellent larger impression.  

• Make your private home safer for birds by turning off pointless lights at evening, utilizing downward dealing with out of doors lighting, and treating home windows to scale back reflections and stop collisions.  

• Volunteer to assist preserve our gardens, take away invasive vegetation, or lead a local plant stroll.  

• Be a part of group science efforts just like the Christmas Fowl Depend, Nice Yard Fowl Depend, Mission FeederWatch, or by submitting your sightings to eBird. Discover eBird data for Dogwood Canyon to see what others are discovering.  

• Help native plant gross sales to develop species inventories and attain extra individuals who need to create fowl pleasant properties.  

Including plant variety at house is a win for birds, a win for individuals, and a win for the well being of our communities.