Individual plants cannot move beyond a creeping root or rhizome and we often think of them as sedentary. However, plants can move and relocate by seeds and nuts carried by wind, water, birds, and mammals. Our yards can become a natural community and connect to wildlife habitats in our neighbors’ yards.

Plants, amphibians, birds, insects, and animals may become isolated and perish if they cannot reach a viable habitat.

Many species such as Monarchs depend on milkweed for their caterpillars as they work their way north across the North American continent. Migratory songbirds depend on native berries, seeds, nuts, and insects during each stop of their spring and autumn journeys. Hummingbirds follow the bloom of various flowering species and generations of turtles and frogs seek the place of their birth for nesting and egg laying when they reproduce.

All of these creatures depend on native plants and healthy habitats to complete their life cycles.

There are many benefits to using native species plants on your property. They have evolved in our environment and are more likely to survive storms and climatic conditions typical of the south. Native species plants are by and large fire adaptive and increase fire safety while also providing necessary habitat structures. Healthy native vegetation found in marshes, oyster beds, and maritime forests can also protect against storms. They can provide buffers from storm surges, act as sediment traps, and can create windbreaks.

Your custom home’s landscaping should strive to keep as much natural plant material as possible. Your property features such as mature trees or diversity of plants establish its unique personality. It should reflect the natural beauty and charm of the Lowcountry. Your native species landscape can provide valuable habitat for wildlife while providing natural protections from natural disasters for you.