Top 10 greatest things about landscaping with native plants

Native Plant Appreciation Week, May 1-7

2005 Archived News

King County is getting the word out to gardeners that landscaping with native plants is good for your wallet and the environment. It saves you time and it saves water – both precious commodities these days. So in honor of Native Plant Appreciation Week (May 1-7), as proclaimed by Governor Gregoire, here are 10 great reasons to go native!

1. Native plant landscapes do not need pesticides or fertilizers – better for kids and pets.
2. Native plant landscapes need less water – saves money and resources.
3. Replacing a lawn with native plants reduces time spent mowing, raking and watering.
4. Native plants attract native wildlife – more birds and butterflies!
5. Native plants are great for creating "drought-tolerant" yards.
6. Native plants can be less expensive than non-native plants – or salvaged for free through King County.
7. Native plants help control erosion and reduce runoff, keeping sediments and pollutants out of our waterways.
8. Native plants survive better than many ornamental plants.
9. Native plants reduce problems with weed species.
10. Native plants give your yard a true northwest aesthetic.

A complete guide to creating your own native plant landscape, including tips for preparing soil, choosing the right plants for your yard, and planting instructions is available on King County’s Web site at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/GoNative/. Or request a free copy of the Going Native brochure by calling 206-296-6519.

Yard and garden information, including Natural Yard Care, the Native Plant Salvage Program, and noxious weed identification photos, can be found on the King County Web site: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/topics/yard-and-garden/.