Planting a garden in or around your home can be a great way to relax, express yourself, grow food and herbs, or just improve your home's overall aesthetic. However, it can be tough to plan and execute a beautiful garden correctly.

A great way to take some of the guess work and maintenance out of gardening-- while simultaneously making your garden more eco-friendly-- is to choose native species when selecting what to plant in your plot. Not only are native species low-maintenance (in terms of both time and money), planting them in your garden also helps protect the natural environment. Neglecting to plant native species can expose the natural ecosystem to invasives, which in extreme cases can lead to the eradication of other native plants, water shortages, and even increased fire risks in drier climates.

Los Angeles, California is a great example of how non-native species have impacted the landscape. LA is famous for its palm trees and eucalyptus trees. However, while they might be beautiful to look at, both plants are invasive species and have impacted the natural environment greatly. In particular, the strong presence of eucalyptus trees has eradicated many native plants because eucalyptus trees create a hostile environment for other root systems.  Additionally, both palm trees and eucalyptus tend to be highly flammable, which is a scary thing in such a fire-prone region. Recently, there has been a big push made by policy-makers and environmentalists to encourage the planting of native species in the region. Homeowners in the LA area have also begun shifting gardening preferences towards plants better suited for the region, celebrating the environment while conserving water in the semi-desert environment as well.

By planting natives, you are preserving the natural landscape and helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of your surroundings, as well as to preserve resources. Native species are generally hearty and self-regulating after they reach a certain age, needing little extra water or pruning because they are highly adapted to the natural surroundings.

For even more information about native plant species in the US, check out Botanica North America: The Illustrated Guide to Our Native Plants, Their Botany, History, and the Way They Have Shaped Our World

Photo Credit: BeWaterWise.com