07/02/2025 | Molly DeHaan, Day Camp Educator at The Museum of the Grand Prairie

Imagine a garden that grows without effort and needs no fertilizer. Native plants require less work to maintain while remaining beautiful. Native plants are low-maintenance! They are able to grow in the local soil and thrive in the natural climate throughout growing seasons. They are adapted to the rainfall and require less watering.

Also, native plants promote pollinators and wildlife by providing local plants for food and shelter. Some native pollinators are bees, butterflies, wasps, moths, flies, and beetles. Gardeners are able to plant native flowers then these pollinators are able to eat the nectar. Unfortunately, non-native plants might be inedible to pollinators. Native plants provide a direct food source and support pollination.

Native plants are critical in reducing the effects of erosion, filtering the rainwater, and improving the soil quality. When choosing native plants for your backyard, you’re supporting the local ecosystem. Additionally, native plants have become resilient to many local diseases and pests. For example, the purple cornflower is highly resistant to rabbits and deer.

Lastly, native gardens represent the community and environment of the region. Butterfly milkweed, wild bergamot, asters, daisies, goldenrod, black-eyed susan, and the purple cornflower are local favorites to add to your garden.