Unlocking the Power of Native Plants in Your Garden
- Brooke Orr
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
The Lower Shore is a truly special place—home to a mosaic of farmlands, forests, and waterways like the Chesapeake Bay. This unique environment supports a diverse range of native plants and wildlife that have evolved to thrive together in balance. But as development expands and traditional landscaping practices take hold, we’re losing that diversity—often right in our own backyards.
Conventional lawns may look neat and green, but they are essentially monocultures—large expanses of a single grass species that offer very little ecological value. These landscapes require constant maintenance, fertilizer, and water, yet they provide almost nothing for pollinators, birds, or beneficial insects. By replacing native habitat with turf grass, we unintentionally remove vital food sources and shelter for the species that help keep our ecosystems healthy.
That’s where pollinator gardens come in. Planting native species—even just a few—can transform your yard into a vibrant, living habitat. Plants like Blanket Flower, Tussock Sedge, and Heart Leaf Golden Alexander are not only beautiful but also perfectly adapted to the soil and climate of the Lower Shore. They support pollinators like bees and butterflies with nectar and pollen, provide birds with seeds and berries, and improve soil and water health through their deep root systems.
Unlike invasive species that often crowd out other plants and create imbalanced environments, native plants coexist with surrounding flora and fauna. They contribute to the overall health of our farms, forests, and waterways—filtering runoff before it reaches the Chesapeake Bay and improving soil structure to prevent erosion. When we choose natives, we’re supporting a whole web of life that helps keep Delmarva’s natural beauty intact.
You don’t need a huge yard to make a difference. Even a small native garden can become a critical stopover for migrating pollinators or a year-round home for local wildlife. When neighbors across the region plant native gardens, they stitch together a network of habitat patches that strengthen the resilience of our ecosystems.
If you’re ready to support pollinators, improve your garden, and contribute to a healthier Lower Shore, we invite you to explore our native plant sale. We’re offering over 170 native species, with information on how to care for each one. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we’ve got beginner-friendly packs and expert advice to help you succeed.
For more information on the native plant sale or how to incorporate native plants into your space, call us at 443-234-8857. Together, we can transform lawns into life-sustaining landscapes—and help keep the Lower Shore thriving for generations to come.
