Insights from Thom Peck, Certified Horticulturist at Johnson’s Landscaping Service
When it comes to creating a beautiful and resilient landscape, few choices are as powerful as incorporating native plants. Thom Peck, Johnson’s plant and materials purchaser and a certified horticulturist, shared his expertise with us on why native plants are not just a trend — they’re a critical part of a healthy landscape.
Native Plants Work with Nature, Not Against It
Native plants have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years alongside the insects, birds, and animals in our region. That means they don’t just survive here — they thrive. “It’s better habitat, better food, better pollination,” Thom explains. Native plants support local bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, helping your garden become a vital part of the larger ecosystem.
Built-in Balance: Native Plants Keep Themselves in Check
One of the unique advantages of native plants is that local wildlife helps manage their populations naturally. Even the more aggressive native species, like black-eyed Susans and echinacea, have native insects and animals that prevent them from taking over completely. As Thom points out, “In a wildflower sod mix, the black-eyed Susans may outcompete other plants — but only to a point.”
Imports Can Harm the Environment
While imported plants may look attractive or offer certain conveniences, they often come with hidden costs to the environment. Imported species typically lack natural predators here and can upset the balance of local ecosystems. Take heavenly bamboo (Nandina), for example. This evergreen plant from Asia produces lovely white flowers and bright red berries, but those berries contain arsenic. When local cedar waxwing birds eat them, they die — a tragic consequence of introducing non-native species.
Another problematic import is the barberry plant. Its dark leaves and deer-resistant spines make it a popular landscape choice, but barberry has become an invasive menace, overtaking woodlands and significantly increasing local tick populations. “The tick population is much higher in areas overrun with barberry,” Thom warns.
Native Plants Strengthen the Soil
Native plants don’t just look good — they improve the ground they grow in. Their deep root systems anchor the soil, helping to prevent erosion and pull up nutrients from deep underground. As these plants go dormant and decay, they enrich the topsoil naturally, creating a self-fertilizing cycle that imported plants typically can’t match. This is part of the “invisible work” native plants do to support not just your yard, but the broader landscape.
Bring Your Landscape to Life with Native Plants
At Johnson’s Landscaping Service, we believe that a beautiful landscape should also be a sustainable one. By choosing native plants, you’re helping to protect local wildlife, prevent environmental damage, and create a yard that’s both stunning and ecologically responsible.
Ready to transform your landscape with the power of native plants? Contact us today to get started!
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