Supporting Native Plant Nurseries !!! Caring for Creation !!!

If you are interested in having native plants in your yard or garden this Spring, then you need to look for Native Plant nurseries in your area.  These very special nurseries grow their plants from seed.  The seeds are from native plants that are found in your area and are already adapted to the soil and weather conditions.

These local nurseries are growers.  They aren’t buying plants from wholesale growers who may be in other regions or other states.  This is one of the main problems with buying plants from “big-box” stores.  These plants are often hybrids or even invasive species.  And, these plants are almost always sprayed with pesticides before being shipped from the wholesaler to the store.

This means these plants are potentially lethal to beneficial bugs that may be living in your yard or your neighborhood!  One of the many reasons that we want to use native plants in our yards or gardens is to support all the Beneficial Bugs that are “harvesting” those annoying aphids or mosquitoes that emerge in the Spring and Summer.  This is one of the best reasons for getting plants that have not been sprayed.  We are protecting all those Beneficial Bugs who are eating the bugs we spray for every year.

The worst part about spraying pesticides is that we are killing the Beneficial Bugs who are helping us take care of our plants, produce a better harvest, and lower the toxicity in our environment.  In other words, when we invest in native plants, we are working with Nature to protect the Bugs we need.  We are also keeping these poisons out of our air, water, and soil.  We are being Good Stewards of the Earth.

When I was growing up in SW Oklahoma, my family owned a Farm Supply Store.  We sold DDT which is a very strong pesticide.  It was usually sold in gallon glass containers and then diluted and sprayed on all kinds of crops.  At that time, no one seemed to understand that having DDT sprayed on crops that we ate could affect our health.  Everyone who worked in the store was extremely careful with those heavy glass bottles.  If any DDT spilled on someone, they rushed to the bathroom to wash it off before it could soak into their skin.

DDT is a persistent pesticide.  This means it stays in the environment for a long time.  It had a half-life of 2 to 15 years in soil and potentially much longer in aquatic environments.  While DDT concentrations have been declining since its use was discontinued, it can still be found in the environment.  Fortunately, DDT was banned for most uses in the United States in 1972. The ban, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), effectively ended the domestic use of DDT as a pesticide. While DDT is still produced in the US, it can still be exported for use in other countries.  This means it can be used on crops that are imported to the United States.

Even though we no longer use DDT in this country, we are using chemicals that are not healthy for humans or animals.  When we invest in Native Plants we are supporting our local ecology and improving the immediate area around our homes.  We are also investing in a healthier future for our families and our neighbors.

Most Native Plant Nurseries are family-owned and operated.  These people are dedicated to producing healthy, vibrant plants that will thrive in your specific environment.  They are usually knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions.  And, they may suggest other native plants that you are not familiar with.  They are happy to answer questions and share their knowledge!  When we get our plants from Native Plant Nurseries we are supporting a local business and investing in the next generation of growers!

Check with your state Native Plant Society website for a listing of Native Plant Nurseries in your area.  You will be delighted and amazed by all the wonderful native plants that are available for sunny or shady or mixed sunlight areas in your yard.