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Landscaping with native plants benefits Rock Creek in a variety of ways.
Native plants are those that grow naturally in the Chesapeake Bay area. Many common flowers, shubs, and trees are imported from other countries or other parts of the United States. Although these imports may be beautiful, they do not provide the environmental benefits of native plants and may become invasive in our natural areas.
Native plants are preferred because they
- Evolved here and are naturally adapted to local conditions, including the soil, water, and climate;
- Are easier to maintain than non-native plants and need no pesticides or chemical fertilizers; and
- Require less watering, as they hold water for natural infiltration and some are well adapted to drought.
Native plants also support benficial insects, butterflies, birds, and wildlife. The plants evolved with native wildlife, and plants and wildlife are interdependent. The plants provide food, shelter and habitat for the wildlife, and the wildlife provide pollination, fertilization, seed distribution and natural controls for native plants.
Native Plant Resources
Plants native to Chesapeake Bay region
Native alternatives to invasive exotic plants
Native plants that support various kinds of wildlife
Native plants, native plant nurseries, and other helpful information
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