Why Plant Natives?   There are many reasons to plant natives – here are a few of our favorites:   ~ Ecology – When using plants native to your region, you can feel assured that you will not be responsible for introducing an invasive plant that could escape into neighboring natural areas.   ~ Adaptability - Though not immune to every disease or environmental extreme, when native plants are sited correctly they have the advantage of having evolved and adapted over thousands of years to local soil types, pests, and climate conditions.   ~ Sustainability – By choosing the right plant for the right place you increase your chances of success, while reducing your consumption of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.   ~ Diversity – Here in southeastern North Carolina we are privileged to live in one the most bio diverse regions in eastern North America. By planting many different species, our gardens are not as prone to large outbreaks of pests and diseases, than as those planted with fewer species.    ~ Beauty – Europeans have been growing and admiring our native ‘weeds’ since they were first introduced there. We have some of the most beautiful plants in the world growing right on our doorstep, yet there is a misconception that because a plant grows wild it is somehow less desirable.   ~ Encouraging Wildlife – Local fauna and flora exist in an intertwined web, in which they are dependant on each other to some degree. Some animals feed exclusively on a narrow range of native plants, while many insects are important pollinators that also serve as food sources for birds and other animals.     ~ Reducing Habitat Loss – As our population increases, so do the number of houses and businesses, whose development reduces natural areas. If each of us converted an area of our lawn to native plants, our efforts would add up, increasing habitat for wildlife.   ~ Creating a sense of place – In a world that is becoming increasingly homogenized, using native plants can help us blend our land and buildings into the surrounding environment, creating a landscape that is both regional and unique.