.JPG)
Minnesota Native Wildflower/Grass Producers Association
Benefits of Native Wildflowers and Grasses
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Everyone's interest in native plants is growing. People are planting them in all sorts of places. They are beautifying homes, businesses, and roadsides as well as helping to create wonderful new parks and recreation areas. Farmers are discovering that native plants (those growing here prior to the time of European settlement) provide great beauty and are well adapted to our unique climate and soils.
BENEFIT TO THE ENVIRONMENT... Landscapes that include native plants help the environment by reducing the amount of water, fertilizer, pesticides, and fuel that would otherwise be needed. Planting more of these plants can help increase the number and the diversity of these species which have otherwise become relatively rare.
THEY ARE ECONOMICAL... Saving our resources saves money. Lower maintenance means lower fuel, water, and chemical bills, leaving money in your budget to spend on other things.
THEY ATTRACT WILDLIFE... Planting native species restores an ecological balance that includes an increase in wildlife. Depending on the location and the species planted, you'll see an increase in butterflies and other insects, song and game birds, and other wildlife such as deer.
THEY ARE LOW MAINTENANCE... Native plants generally need less maintenance and care than traditional landscape plants. However, no matter what the scope of the project, low maintenance does not mean "no maintenance" nor does it mean letting it go "back to nature". Landscapes "naturalized" with native plants require proper species selection, site preparation, establishment, and maintenance. Special attention should be given to local ordinances to create plantings that are appropriate to each particular setting. Properly established and maintained, native wildflowers and grasses make a special place - one to enjoy for generations! |