Question 1

Q: What are native plants?

Accepted Answer

A: Native plants are plant species that have naturally evolved and thrived in a specific region, ecosystem, or habitat, without any human intervention.  The key catalyst for this success is each plants compatibility with the climate, soil, precipitation, and seasonal changes.  
 
Native plants are crucial to the natural balance of their environments for several reasons. They are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and requiring less water and maintenance compared to non-native species. They also play an essential role in supporting local wildlife, including pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, using native plants helps preserve the natural heritage and biodiversity of the region.  By choosing native plants from Habitat Plants Native Nursery, you are contributing to a sustainable and vibrant landscape that honors natural history and ecosystem. Whether you are creating a backyard haven, a community garden, or a large-scale restoration project, our range of native species will help you create a beautiful and ecologically sound environment.

At Habitat Plants, we are passionate about fostering a healthier ecosystem, increasing biodiversity, and ensuring your planting success!

Question 2

Q: What is biodiversity, and how is biodiversity connected to native plants?

Accepted Answer

A: Biodiversity refers to the variety/abundance of life in a particular ecosystem, and it's crucial for maintaining a healthy ecological balance. At Habitat Plants, we emphasize the importance of native plants because they are adapted to the local environment and play a key role in supporting biodiversity. Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for high numbers of insect species which are a key source of food for many birds and animals.  Native plants are also core food sources for many of our states mammals.  The productivity of these plants can have a tremendous impact on the insects, birds, and animals that use our properties for food and habitat.

Question 3

Q: When will my plants bloom?

Accepted Answer

A: It is important to understand that when we plant native perennials, a good portion of their first growing season is dedicated to the establishment of roots.  That being said it is possible to see some of our plants bloom in the first summer.  Pinching these flower buds allows your plant to dedicate more energy to root production in the first year.  This can lead to a stronger plant in the following summer.  
Within each plant description we strive to provide blooming months for each plant.  Utilizing this information allows you to build a bloom calendar to ensure that you are purchasing plants that give you flowers when you want to see flowers, or all summer long!  The diversity of native plants allows for blooms from early spring ephemerals all the way through our first frost coating on Showy Goldenrod.

Question 4

Q: How long will it take for my new garden to establish?

Accepted Answer

A: There are a few factors that can impact this timeline.  First and foremost is the soil into which you are planting.  Both the quality and characteristics of the soil can affect the growth of the different native plant species.  Plants that are selected for the proper soil type will develop more quickly than those that are not perfectly matched.  Secondly, weed competition can be a challenge.  The more time you can dedicate to controlling the weeds in your new planting the better.  Weeds compete for resources as your plants are establishing themselves.  Native plants are very competitive with weed populations once they are established.  If you see weeds that are trying to set seed in your planting remove them immediately to help avoid those hundreds if not thousands of seeds that will undoubtedly drop into your planting!  Patience goes a long way when establishing new plantings, I have always had the mindset that year three is my favorite.

Question 5

Q: How do I care for my new plants?

Accepted Answer

A: Check our our plant care blog post on our blog page!

Question 6

Q: Do you recommend fertilizer?

Accepted Answer

A: We do not recommend the use of fertilizer when establishing plantings.  Native plants are equipped with the ability to adapt and thrive in our different ecosystems and climates, that's why they are native to our region or regions similar to ours across the country.  Fertilizer has the potential to develop weak plants as they do not have the need to develop deep roots to find nutrients.

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