Native wildflowers are those that were growing naturally in the landscape before the first settlers arrived from Europe. Ever since that time more and more plants have been introduced from around the world with very mixed results. Although many of the imports are now prized garden specimens, others are regarded as invasive weeds whose cultivation is actively discouraged eg Japanese Knotweed. The benefits of growing wildflowers are many, but here are just a few:
Since wildflowers grow naturally in the landscape they will thrive in similar soil types and situations in your garden.
Because they are growing in their natural habitat, wildflowers will require less water and fertilizer than other plants.
Equally wildflowers have a natural resistance to pests and diseases and so will reduce the need for sprays and pesticides.
Many wildflowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and so will encourage these colorful insects to visit.
Songbirds are also attracted by the seeds and berries produced by the plants.
A wildflower planting can produce a dense groundcover that will encourage frogs and toads who will eat slugs but not harm your plants themselves.
On a more practical level, give up part of your lawn, sow wildflower seeds and save yourself the effort of mowing.
Read about the folklore of wildflowers and discover a whole new world of traditional uses of plants as food, as tisanes, potpourris and more.
Many wildflowers have in the past been used as medicines and a number of modern drugs are based on plant extracts.
To bring this short list to a close, just consider that when all around you land is being developed for houses, shops, factories and roads, your area of wildflower planting can be a contribution to the preservation of the natural environment.
Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor where you will find further articles, gardening tips and product reviews.
The flittering of the butterfly through your garden is no... Read More
The versatile cucumber (cucumis sativus) is tasty pickled, in a... Read More
Choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colors... Read More
I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More
Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More
Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers,... Read More
The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it... Read More
Kirengeshoma palmata Sometimes known as yellow waxbells, Kirengeshoma palmata... Read More
Pruning...Outdoor gardening is so much easier when you know how.... Read More
A patio can be... Read More
When most people think of landscaping, they think of a... Read More
It's early in May a beautiful fairly warm day so... Read More
Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More
There are more reasons than ever why anybody with access... Read More
There is a magical quality to porch swings. In his... Read More
Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More
Many of us flip through garden magazines, all the while... Read More
Every year you plan that THIS will be the year... Read More
Would you rather be sailing or are you strictly a... Read More
Unfortunately, sunlight is not enough.Your water lilies will grow, thrive,... Read More
Fuchsia (named after Leonhard Fuchs, a 16th century German botanist)... Read More
Ahh, spring! It has sprung! Gardeners (and budding gardeners -... Read More
The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by... Read More
"I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of... Read More
Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More
Bamboo is a mysterious and elusive plant that baffles taxonomists... Read More
Tropical flowers make an exciting change from the more traditional... Read More
The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More
Iris flowers always bring memories of mom to mind. Let... Read More
Different from any other chair, the Adirondack chair was first... Read More
To keep wood garden sheds, arbors, or trellises looking their... Read More
Since Victorian times metal garden furniture has become a popular... Read More
Native wildflowers are those that were growing naturally in the... Read More
Adirondack is the name given to a style of furnishings... Read More
Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to... Read More
You've put a lot of work into your garden, from... Read More
Is it possible for a garden sundial to tell perfect... Read More
Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More
When the days start to get shorter, the darkness may... Read More
To help gardeners choose flowers, various systems for rating hardiness... Read More
Snow peas may have been named because in bright sunlight... Read More
Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More
Hi Friends;This is the second year in a row I... Read More
When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More
The protea family (Proteaceae) includes a wide range of ground... Read More
The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by... Read More
Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers,... Read More
The black walnut tree manufactures a substance that is a... Read More
How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More
When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem... Read More
INTRODUCTIONSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More
Have you ever thought about how much it costs to... Read More
Viburnums are related to the honeysuckles, so it should come... Read More
One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More
Slapping yourself silly trying to keep mosquitoes from biting you?... Read More
Newsletter Name Change?After several of you made suggestions to me... Read More
We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they... Read More
Everyone seems to love a secret -- and when the... Read More
Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000... Read More
Twentieth century American architect Phillip Johnson once said, "I hate... Read More
Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but... Read More
Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More
"I am a sundial, and I make a botch Of... Read More
They can be pretty to look at and soothing to... Read More
THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.The Success or Failure of Your Plants... Read More
Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |