How native vegetation and gardens are greater for the environemnt?
Our earth serves as a magnificent habitat for countless creatures, thanks to our amazing array of plants, which give life to everything on this beautiful planet. Without them, many beings would undoubtedly suffer greatly. Furthermore, we have coexisted with nature in perfect harmony for thousands of years, nurturing a deep connection with the land and its inhabitants. Plants play a crucial role in providing essential resources such as food, habitat, and clean air for all creatures that inhabit our world. In my previous work within the landscape sector, I observed numerous properties thriving with stunning gardens, though many tended to focus primarily on ornamental varieties. While there are ongoing concerns about cultivating foreign flowers, bushes, and trees in relation to our environment—such as the excessive use of pesticides and the significant amounts of water needed to keep them flourishing, along with the reliance on special chemical fertilizers—I, as a passionate nature lover, firmly believe that some plants are certainly better than none at all.
To truly cultivate a greater harmony with our environment, I highly recommend creating an Australian native garden, or, even better, one that incorporates plants indigenous to your specific area. But what is the underlying reason for this preference when, at first glance, they seem like just plants, similar to foreign varieties? The answer lies in their profound connection to the local ecosystem, which supports biodiversity and fosters a resilient environment for our unique wildlife.
1. Native plants require less.
Since these remarkable plants have been flourishing on this continent for countless years, they have skillfully adapted to the land, allowing them to require significantly less water in order to thrive in their natural environment. Moreover, they often need minimal to no fertiliser at all! Native plants are incredibly resilient and typically do not need any pesticide, as they possess natural resistance to pests. That's a win-win situation, wouldn't you agree?
2. Promote native faunas and support healthy environment by being the foundation of local eco-system
Well, we all often think that all plants would provide similar benefits to our native insects and animals, yet the reality is quite different. Our native fauna exhibits very little interest in these non-native plants, which fail to meet their unique ecological needs. Native plants serve as an abundant and essential food source for our beautiful native bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, wasps, and many more. Additionally, some of these plants play a vital role as habitats and shelters, offering small birds a safe haven to hide from their predators. Unfortunately, as the numbers of native plants continue to decline, we inevitably face a corresponding decline in the populations of our beloved native animals as well.
3. Healthy environment for human being
Lawn gardens and ornamental gardens filled with foreign plants require extensive use of numerous chemicals to maintain their pristine condition and ensure they remain perfectly beautiful at all times. In contrast, planting a native garden significantly reduces the need for such chemicals, often requiring little to none at all. This approach not only promotes a healthier environment for ourselves but also fosters a thriving ecosystem for local wildlife. By choosing native plants, we contribute to less air and water pollution, creating a much better environment both for our own lives and for the lives of our beloved animals.
Now we know just how incredibly vital native vegetation is to our lives and the diverse wildlife that shares this planet with us. Over the years, we have taken so much land and precious resources from our Earth by constructing our homes, establishing farms to produce food, and creating factories to meet our daily needs. It's time for us to take a moment, to sit back and pause our busy lives, reflecting on how much we can positively impact our amazing natural environment. If only each of us committed to growing just a few indigenous plants in our garden spaces, we could make a significant difference. We can start with just one plant each week, which realistically takes so little of our time. In just one month, we would have cultivated four new plants, adding up to an impressive total of 48 new native plants in a single year! This simple yet meaningful gesture can help us give back to and show appreciation for our Mother Nature. Thank you for supporting and nurturing our beautiful natural world.
Heaps of Love,
Bella
