Incorporating native plants into your landscaping is an easy way to improve the health of the James River. They filter stormwater, support wildlife, and reduce watering needs.
Native plants are adapted to local soil, rainfall and temperature conditions, and have developed natural defenses to many insects and diseases. Because of these traits, native plants will grow with minimal use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. This makes them easy to care for!
You can use native plants the same way would you landscape with any other plant. Simply substitute a non-native species with a similar native species. Spring and fall are the best times of year to plant. The cool air temperatures reduce water needs and allow the plants to establish a healthy root system so they can thrive in harsher weather conditions.
You can learn more about native plants in your region of Virginia through the Virginia Native Plant Society’s Regional Plant Guides.
Stop the spread of invasive species!
According to Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, “Invasive plants are species intentionally or accidentally introduced by human activity into a region in which they did not evolve and cause harm to natural resources, economic activity or humans.” There are currently 90 identified invasive plant species in Virginia.