As we celebrate Earth Day and look forward to Arbor Day, you might be thinking about ways to make your property more sustainable. One of the best methods is to add native plants. Read on for more details and check out some other Earth Day suggestions at the end!

What is a native plant?

Native plants are also termed indigenous and occur naturally in the area. According to most sources, these plants have been growing in their region for thousands of years or more. They are well-adapted to the climate, light and soil conditions that characterize their ecosystem and have established co-evolutionary relationships with other plants and organisms to keep the ecosystem stable.

How do I know what plants are native to my area?

The best way to find the answer to this question is to check with a local nursery or garden center. Alternately, there are online resources that will search by zip code or region. In Massachusetts, all plants that grew here prior to European colonization are considered native. They occurred naturally in our ecosystem without human introduction. Native trees include the Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Hemlock, Sycamore, White Pine, Red Maple, Red Oak and many more.

Why use native plants in your landscaping?

Aside from their essential role in the ecosystem, native plants are superb choices for your landscaping for a number of reasons:

1. Generally requiring little maintenance, they are hardy and can withstand more extreme weather conditions.

2. A wide array of seasonal colors is produced by their blooms and leaves.

3. Insects and wildlife make their homes in native plants more than non-native ones.

4. Pollination systems are made possible by native plants.

5. Adding a perennial flower bed will reduce the amount of grass and thereby reduce use of fertilizers, pesticides and water to maintain.

6. Native trees help combat climate change, as they are effective at storing carbon dioxide.

What can I do today?

The Mass Audubon Society offers many great resources and programs to help protect the nature that surrounds us. They’ve compiled a great list of Earth Month activities with lots of ideas for solo activities or family adventures. A few of our favorite home-related ideas include:

• Make a compost pile to save landfill space and reduce methane emissions, while adding nutrients to your soil.

• Remove invasive plant species that could be causing environmental harm.

• Plant milkweed to attract and nurture those beautiful monarch butterflies.

And a few other ideas for your consideration are:

• Plant shade trees to help keep your house naturally cooler in the summer.

• Start your garden! Organic vegetable and herb gardens can spruce up your yard with color and aromas, while offering tasty treats for your family and friends.

• Create a rain barrel to collect water for your lawn.

We’d love to hear what you did to celebrate Earth Day! Send us your pictures or stories to team@suzandco.com.