Gardens offer profound healing and restoration to us; they are places of rejuvenation and beauty. The presence of flowers, grasses and plants allows us to feel connected to nature, to awaken our senses, to unwind from the stresses of life. They give us a place to rest, a backdrop for relaxation and reflection, or play and recharge.

By planting more native plants and flowers, we create gardens that are alive with pollinators, birds, and other native creatures which cannot live on non-native plants. Everyone works together to balance the ecosystem and the biodiversity of each garden. For example, some insects are vital in the role they play in maintaining soil health, massaging, if you will, the soil into health. Insects are also food source for other animals, such as birds, dragonflies and bats.

Most of us know bees are disappearing at a fast rate. We depend on bees for crop production, honey and the transfer of pollen in our very own gardens. We can help bees, butterflies and other fabulous pollinators by adding appropriate plants to our gardens. Birds are facing threats as insect population is dwindling, so creating environments where insects thrive, attracts and sustains more birds as well.

As Douglas Tallamy says so well in his book Bringing Nature Home, “…the wild creatures we enjoy and would like to have in our lives will not be here in the future if we take away their food and the places they live”

Native gardens can be a source of inspiration for gardeners, showcasing the diversity and resilience of our natural ecosystems. Whether large or small, a native garden serves as a testament to our commitment in preserving and restoring the integrity of our local landscapes.

We can share so much in regards to how to transform, or add to, your garden to make it more beautiful, more alive and richer with all life, as well as listen to what your preferences are, so that you can appreciate and enjoy a garden that feels your own.