California Garden & Potager: A Shift in My Approach to Gardening: From Planting Ornamentals to a Native-Focused Garden

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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This essay reflects Sophia’s journey from gardening with ornamental plants to adopting a native plant-focused approach. Initially, Sophia believed her choice of ornamental plants was beneficial to local wildlife, but their perspective shifted after encountering the work of entomologist, Dr. Doug Tallamy.

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Gardening has always been a cherished part of my life. For years, I prided myself on maintaining a beautiful garden, visiting nurseries to select vibrant blooms for their beauty and color. I carefully planned my garden beds with ornamental trees and plants, believing their striking appearance made my outdoor space both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. At the time, I assumed my gardening efforts were benefiting the native insects and birds that frequented my property.

However, my perspective changed when I encountered the groundbreaking work of Dr. Doug Tallamy, a renowned ecologist whose research has profoundly reshaped how I approach gardening.

Dr. Tallamy, Professor & Chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, is best known for his work advocating for native plant gardening to restore biodiversity. His research focuses on the vital relationships between plants and wildlife, particularly how native species support local ecosystems by providing essential food and habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Tallamy’s central argument is both simple and transformative: the health of our ecosystems and our ability to conserve them depends largely on the plants and trees we choose to grow in our own backyards. He emphasizes the importance of planting native species—keystone plants—that serve as the foundation for local food webs. These native plants provide nourishment and habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from insects to pollinators and birds.

One of Dr. Tallamy’s key insights is native plants are essential because they have co-evolved with local wildlife over millennia. For example, milkweed, a native plant, is absolutely vital for the survival of monarch butterflies. Not only does it offer beauty, but it also serves as the sole food source for monarch caterpillars and a place for them to lay their eggs. On the other hand, ornamental plants like petunias or begonias, though visually appealing, provide little nourishment or habitat for pollinators or birds.

This realization sparked a profound shift in how I viewed my garden. I began to see my outdoor space not just as a place for personal enjoyment and aesthetics, but as a potential sanctuary for wildlife—a small but significant contribution to preserving biodiversity. I began researching native plants specific to California, such as oaks, ceanothus, poppies, manzanita, and toyon. I learned that these species are perfectly adapted to the local climate and soil, and more importantly, they provide the critical ecosystem services that local wildlife depend on for survival. By incorporating these plants, I wasn’t just enhancing the beauty of my garden; I was restoring a piece of the natural habitat that had been disrupted by non-native species.

With each decision to replace an ornamental flower with a native plant, I felt more connected to the land and its ecosystems. Slowly but surely, I started replacing high-maintenance, non-native plants with their native counterparts.

It’s clear to me now that our gardens can be much more than ornamental spaces; they can be an integral part of the solution to the environmental challenges we face. By creating a garden with native plants, I’m not only enhancing my own space but also contributing to the restoration of the local ecosystem. I feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that my choices help support biodiversity and the intricate web of life that depends on these plants. Through my garden, I have found a way to make a tangible difference in the world, one keystone plant at a time.