Most plants that are used in the front of back yard of New York homes were brought in from outside of the state. These plants tend to thrive because New York meets the conditions for growth, but they are not naturally occurring. If an invasive species were introduced, it could wreak havoc on the eco system.
New Yorkers who own property that can have a garden on them have been encouraged to garden using native plant species found in the New York area. There are a few reasons why that is.
Maintenance
Everything has a maintenance cost, as anyone with a front lawn will tell you. Native plants tend to thrive in the conditions of that city, so New Yorkers will find themselves buying a lot less fertilizer and using less water to grow a particular species of plant. Native plants also save you money on pest control in some cases, as they have adapted over time to the natural pests in the area. This also helps cut down on toxins in the immediate area, which may have a beneficial effect on fruit-bearing plants in your garden.
Beauty
New York plants are attractive, and feed off the natural beauty present in parts of the state. There are also a wide variety to choose from, leaving homeowners with their choice of color or shrub. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to help native plants reclaim their landscape.
There is one final benefit you don’t see up front: erosion control. With native plants, the soil erodes less. That has all kinds of benefits, including keeping storm drains clear for heavy rainfall.
Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Twitter page.