Native Plants for Biodiversity and Resilient Habitats

Ecosystems - or resilient habitats - exist where high numbers of interconnected creatures and complex food webs are supported by beneficial habitat. For example, native plants support a plethora of beneficial insects beyond bees and butterflies - like beetles, parasitic wasps and predatory mites - that control vegetable gardens pests, feed birds and provide pollination services for food crops. More biodiversity means more resilience to disturbances from climate change and habitat loss. Strong biodiversity means healthy communities.

Millions of years of evolution have led local species of plants and insects to rely on one another, in reciprocal relationships. Plants need specific insects to pollinate them effectively. Insects needs specific pollen or nectar sources to thrive. Food crops need pollinators that overwinter in the debris of native plant gardens. Fish depend on grassland insects falling into ponds for much of their protein. Birds rely on caterpillars and seeds to sustain their numbers. Our local food webs need native plants.

Genetic resilience can be bolstered when we plant seeds that were collected from plant communities with numerous parent plants from various generations. Planting seeds from local plant populations helps to ensure that the plants will be adapted to growing conditions like soil type, water availability and seasonal changes. This supports the growth of healthy, strong plants. Resilient habitats and plant communities are better equipped to overcome pests, diseases and climate changes.

Native wildflowers, grasses and trees are the evolutionary host plants for countless species of moth and butterfly caterpillars. The dramatic decrease in population numbers of native bird species is directly correlated to the disappearance of these plants (as habitats are destroyed) and therefore, the caterpillars they feed. Just to put it in perspective: one pair of nesting chickadees needs 6000-9000 caterpillars to raise their young! Ecosystem restoration with native plants, is essential for rebuilding resilient habitats.

Inviting pollinators into a pollinator patch adjacent to your fruit and vegetable gardens significantly increases crop yields. Not only will you have more fruits and vegetables, you will also have larger fruit and vegetable sizes! Cross pollination is essential for successful food production. At Bee Kissed Seeds, we never treat our native plants with neonicotinoids or other chemicals that harm precious pollinators and other beneficial "bugs"!

Planting native species near food crops draws beneficial insects to your gardens organically and safely. Species like lacewings, lady bugs, solitary wasps, soldier beetles, tachinid and syrphid flies, and ambush bugs - to name but a few! - will provide essential pest control of destructive insects like aphids, grubs and tomato hornworm. No chemicals required and this way, there is no risk of accumulation of toxins throughout the food chain!