The Importance of Planting Native Plant Species in Your Garden

Friendly reminder that just because it is pretty doesn’t mean you should plant it! Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) encourages the use of native plant species in home gardens and yards to support their efforts in restoring Orange County’s native wildlands. The establishment of non-native plants in wildlands can have detrimental effects, as they outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems and spread rapidly without natural competitors.

Most non-native plants have the potential to become invasive and negatively impact local ecosystems when planted in yards. When non-native plants are introduced in gardens, they run the risk of spreading to wildlands in various ways. Even if your home is not adjacent to an open space, these species can spread through wind dispersal, wildlife transportation (birds, rodents, insects, etc.) or even unintentionally spread by humans. 

Some popular non-native plants to be aware of when planting in your garden:

• Horticultural Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
• Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)
• Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
• Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

On the other hand, planting native species in gardens not only benefits local wildlife and the environment but also contributes to the resilience and sustainability of the ecosystem. Benefits of planting native plants include conserving water, preventing erosion and providing habitat and food for local wildlife such as birds, pollinators and small mammals (meaning more fun critters in your yards). Native plants are also easier to maintain as they are better suited to the local weather conditions, require less maintenance and can be established within 1-2 years.

When planning your garden, it is important to source your plant materials from reputable sources. Local businesses typically have more native plant options than big box stores. Locally in Orange County, Tree of Life Nursery and Roger’s Gardens are both plant stores that have native plants in stock that are recommended by IRC. Resources like CalScape from the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) provide valuable information on where to shop for native plants and how to incorporate them into your garden.

It is important to remember responsible gardening practices and the need to be mindful of the potential impacts of introducing non-native species to natural ecosystems! Thank you for being mindful of your overall impact on the health of our local environment.