The information on this website has been developed by members of the SUN CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB with the support of the SUN CITY GOLF CLUB.
To learn more about the Environmental Club or to join, click here
For questions on the information contained in this website, contact Paula Smith at pbsmith8558@gmail.com.
WHY NATIVE PLANTS?
Native plants are plants that were growing in this region before the arrival of people from other parts of the world. They have formed symbiotic relationships with other plants, animals, and insects that evolved alongside them. Together, they create a healthy landscape. Healthy, biodiverse native landscapes are critical for the survival of life on Earth.
BENEFITS:
Save Money and Water: Native plants are adapted to the typical amount of precipitation our area receives. Organic matter from dying plants feed microbes and retain water, allowing plants to survive without additional water once established. There is less need for irrigation, resulting in lower water expenses. Native plants have deep roots that can improve the soil’s ability to store and filter water. Deep channels created by the roots allow water to infiltrate the soil, replenishing aquifers.
Adapted to Local Soils: Good news for Sun City residents, many native plants not only tolerate clay soil, but do better in clay soil. Many natives do not like rich soils. When soil is too rich, they tend to get tall and leggy, requiring staking. NEVER add sand to “loosen up the soil”, as it will turn to concrete! Adding small amounts of compost mixed with the clay can help soften the soil.
No Pesticides or Fertilizers Needed: Native plants are adapted to our climate and can defend against indigenous insects, fungi, and disease. The interaction of plant roots and soil microbes results in an exchange of sugars and naturally occurring nutrients in the soil, eliminating the need for fertilizers or pesticides, which can damage soils. “Native plants and the diverse microbial community they support remove harmful contaminants from the air, water and soil through a process called bioremediation. Bioremediation can degrade, detoxify, or render some contaminants harmless.” (www.WildOnesPrairieEdge.org)
Better Resistance to Local Weather: Native plants can better withstand the local environmental conditions than non-natives, allowing them to survive harsh weather and grow back the following year. Perennials can be expected to survive and annuals are more likely to reseed.
Restores Natural Habitats: Native plants contribute to the habitat for wildlife, producing fruit, nectar, nuts and seeds, which provide a natural source of food. The foundation of our interconnected food web are insects and native plants. Insects provide many ecosystem services, including plant pollination, providing food for baby birds- oh those caterpillars! – and controlling problem insect populations. Many plant-eating insects can only eat the native plants they evolved with. Native bees depend on specific native plants for pollen to feed their young.
Not Invasive: Unlike many species brought to our area from other parts of the world or cultivated into forms that don’t exist in nature, native plants are not invasive. Natives vary in their level of aggression, based on the plant and the conditions in which it is grown. Some are well-behaved, forming clumps and spreading slowing, others may spread and reseed at a moderate rate, and still others may try to take over a small space. The key is to understand the nature of the plant and its requirements as to soil type, moisture and sun, and CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANT FOR THE RIGHT PLACE! If you choose to plant a more aggressive species, choose companion plants that are also aggressive- they will keep each other in check.
Sun City homeowners make the final decisions on what is planted in their yards, whether they plant their own or use a landscaping service. Click on "Plant Recommendations" above to learn more about which native plants our Sun City habitat will support.