Climate change is creating serious environmental impacts on our planet, of which water scarcity is becoming a pressing issue. In response to depleting ground water levels and drinking water shortages, many states like California have imposed strict bans on watering non-functional lawns in public spaces. Therefore, many homeowners and landscape designers are turning to native plants as the ideal solution for creating beautiful, drought-tolerant landscapes.

One of the key benefits of native plants is that they are well-suited to their local environment, having evolved to cope with the specific weather, water, and soil conditions of the region. As a result, most native species can thrive with occasional watering, making them a perfect choice for creating a drought-tolerant landscape.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of designing sustainable, beautiful, and water-wise gardens with native plants, and how native plants can help us save water for our next generations.

Benefits of Using Native Plants for Creating Landscapes with Low Water Usage 

Let us look into some of many ways in which native plants offer a practical solution to the growing water crisis:

 

1. Drought Tolerant Plants

Many native species are drought-tolerant. Drought-tolerant plants can withstand extended periods of dry weather including extreme drought. They have a variety of adaptations which allow them to cope up with these tough conditions, some of which are:

• Developing deep rooted systems to reach underground water

• Growing waxy and hairy leaves to prevent loss of water due to transpiration

• Growing succulent leaves and stems to store water like cacti

• Carrying a reduced leaf size and shedding leaves during dry periods to conserve water

Due to these adaptations, drought-tolerant natives can help reduce the need for supplemental watering. Most of them can even survive on rainwater alone, saving you a lot of money and time!

 

2. Preventing Soil Erosion

Most native plants have deep root systems that not only help them source underground water, but also play a critical role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion of soil.

Soil erosion and water conservation are closely linked, as erosion can impact our water conservation efforts. During heavy rains and floods, topsoil is often washed away, leading to decreased soil health due to the loss of important minerals and organic matter. This, in turn, can lead to reduced plant growth and yield, requiring gardeners to resort to more water usage and fertilizers to compensate for the loss.

Also, during soil run off, the minerals along with other chemicals used in our gardens end up in our water bodies and pollute them, Native species can counter this problem with their deep roots that help filter and absorb pollutants while keeping our water clean and healthy.

 

3. Better Curb Appeal

Picture a stunning garden that not only requires low water usage and low maintenance, but also enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space - That is the magic of using native plants in your landscape!

Unlike a lawn, which only offers a blanket of green, native plants offer a myriad of colors alongside functional benefits like supporting local biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. Native plants also help conserve precious natural resources like water .

By incorporating native plants into our landscapes, we are not only creating beautiful and sustainable yards, but also doing our part to keep the planet healthy for our future generations

 

Drought Tolerant Garden Made Easy with Home Park's Plant Combos

If you want to create a gorgeous looking, water efficient garden, look no further than My Home Park's pre-designed native plant collections!

Our team of experts has put together a collection of plant combos that not only look visually appealing but can also help save water! 100 square feet of native plants can save over 2000 gallons of water a year.

Don't have a green thumb? No problem! Our pre-designed collections are easy to buy and plant, making them ideal for novice gardeners. Order a collection today and transform your yard into a beautiful, water-saving landscape that will inspire your neighbors.