by Lisa Larsen

Created on: October 05, 2009   Last Updated: October 06, 2009

When we introduce foreign animals or plants to an established habitat, we wreak havoc on not just ourselves, but on the plants, soils, aquifers, forests and animals of that region. Consider the seemingly innocuous introduction of the rabbit to Australia. Thomas Austin, a member of the Victorian Acclimatization Society, released 24 rabbits he had brought from England onto his property near Geelong for sport hunting on Christmas Day, 1859. By 1886 rabbits had spread north as far as the Queensland - New South Wales border. The impact these animals had on native plants through overgrazing was tremendous. They also prevented regeneration of native plants by eating seedlings. Soil erosion was caused due to the removal of plant cover. In addition, the rabbits threatened native animals through competition for food and shelter.

When we hope to beautify our personal landscape by introducing plants that look nice, offer color and are hardy, yet neglect to consider this plant's effect on the surrounding flora and fauna, we are taking the same short-sighted route Mr. Austin took over one hundred years ago. Yet for mankind today, it is even worse. Today we struggle with nascent issues which were not even in our forefather's wildest dreams. Destructive and unpredictable weather patterns, water shortages, global warming, flooding, mudslides - the list goes on. The call has gone out for us to all do our part in righting the wrongs of our past ignorance. Using native plants in our landscaping projects is one way to help bring harmony back to Mother Earth.

Xeriscaping and xerogardening refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. It is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and is gaining acceptance in other areas as climate patterns shift. Xeriscaping incorporates the use of native plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate. By using native plants there is no threat of inadvertently introducing harmful plants to the landscape. Native plants will also benefit the soil, other plants, insects and animals. In addition, as with xeriscaping, these plants require far less care and maintenance. Fertilizing and excess watering are not necessary - another big boost for the environment.

No matter what region of the world in which you live, there are books available to help you wisely choose native plants for your landscaping projects. At plantnative.org you can select the state in which you live, and you'll receive a list of all the native plants for that area as well as nurseries which supply them. Many states have native plant societies which you can contact for further information. It's easy to go native. And you'll be doing yourself and the planet a tremendous favor!

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