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 seek out what they should survive. A panorama wealthy with native crops turns into greater than a reasonably yard; it turns into an oasis. Birds, butterflies, bees, and numerous different species depend on these crops 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 adjustments could be. Considered one of our most profitable efforts to develop bird-friendly communities is our Native Plant Sale. In 2025 alone, practically 5,800 crops went dwelling with group members throughout our spring and fall occasions. That represents about 600 purchases, many from returning gardeners who hold 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 crops, they create residing corridors that join our remaining pure areas. Defending locations just like the 200 acres at Dogwood Canyon is crucial, however declining fowl populations inform us that conservation can’t cease at park boundaries. Each yard, balcony, and shared inexperienced area issues. Each area helps bend the fowl curve in the correct course.  

How You Can Assist Birds Thrive at Dwelling  

• Add native crops to your panorama and take away nonnative or invasive species. A small water characteristic or birdbath could make a fair larger impression.  

• Make your property safer for birds by turning off pointless lights at evening, utilizing downward dealing with outside lighting, and treating home windows to scale back reflections and forestall collisions.  

• Volunteer to assist keep our gardens, take away invasive crops, 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 houses.  

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