Native Gardening
The Village of Romeoville is committed to enhancing biodiversity and sustainability by encouraging residents to plant native species in yards and public spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Native plants are well-suited to the local climate and soil, requiring less watering, fertilizing, the need for pesticides and overall maintenance.
- Resistance to Local Weather: They are adapted to the specific conditions of your region, including temperature extremes and rainfall patterns.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Native plants offer a wide variety of colors, textures, and forms, adding beauty and interest to your garden while enhancing the beauty of public spaces.
- Cost Savings: Reduced water and chemical usage can lead to lower utility bills and reduced expenses on gardening supplies, says ASLA.
- Support for Pollinators: Native plants are essential for supporting populations of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, according to the National Audubon Society.
- Natural Pest Control: Native plants can attract beneficial insects that help control pests in your garden.
Getting started on planting native plants can be confusing, but there are lots of resources to help get started.
- Making the choice to add native plants to your landscape is an important first step. Once you’ve made your decision, there’s planning to do, then preparation, planting and, finally, enjoying your new outdoor space. Need some guidance to get your started on your way to a yard all aflutter with activity?
- Home Grown National Park’s Getting Started with Natives offers ideas and approaches and plant selection based on your ecoregion
- Wild Ones is a national organization which helps people get native plants in the ground and love the results. Start with Creating Your Own Native Garden and explore all their resources.
Native songbird and butterfly populations have declined, largely due to changes in the quality and availability of their habitat. You can help by creating landscapes which attract and support birds, butterflies, and other wildlife and pollinators.
- Guidance from the National Audubon Society: Audubon: Plants for Birds
- Guidance from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: Xerces Society: Pollinator Friendly Plant Lists
- The University of Illinois Extension Service provides guidance on plant selection and garden design: Illinois Pollinators
- Pollinator Partnership provides resources on Bee-Friendly Gardening, specific Regional Guides, and a detailed brochures including Illinois, Eastern Broadleaf Forest Plant Guide.