How to find the best plants for your garden
An expert provides tips on how to consciously curate your garden.
You may not realize it, but every seed you sow can make a difference.
If you’re in the process of mapping out your spring garden, consider choosing plants that beautify your space and support local wildlife, improve soil health, and contribute to a sustainable environment.
In an interview with The Weather Network, Charlie Briggs, a gardener and arborist at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ont., highlights research from the University of Delaware that identified over 500 species of butterflies and moths associated with a native oak tree. It's just one example of how native plants support other neighbourhood species.
Invasive vs. introduced
Not every introduced plant is invasive, Briggs says.
"Invasive species are ones that are out competing, that are pushing our native species out of our local ecosystem. But a lot of introduced species, like peonies, they're not listed as invasive species. They're well behaved and they're safe for you to use in your garden."
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The native plant movement
For thousands of years, gardening has evolved around aesthetics, but there has been a shift toward focusing on native-grown plants.
To find plants native to your area, Briggs recommends using online resources, like the North American Native Plant Society for clues on where to find native plants.
So before you start growing this year, consider picking your plants wisely and create an environment that will help wildlife thrive.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in May 2023.