Hardy, native and sustainable outdoor plants and how to care for them

03-11-2022

If you love being outside and admiring your local flora and fauna, you’ll surely appreciate having a garden full of native plants. When you invest in native outdoor plants, you can access beautiful flowers, herbs, or other plants almost all year round. Native and sustainable outdoor plants are those that can withstand different weather conditions. These plants thrive naturally in the area and don’t require much maintenance. Here is a list of common native and sustainable outdoor plants that can be grown in your backyard or garden.

Sustainably built plants

Native plants have been proven to grow well in your area and require very little water, fertiliser, or pesticide (if any). They are often pollinated by insects that are native to the area as well, and many of them attract beneficial insects to your garden as well. You may still have to prune them occasionally, but they don’t usually require as much watering or fertilising. On top of that, these plants can usually be grown locally, which means less emission went into their production, and you probably won’t need to pay as much as you’d have to for imported plants.

Shrubs

Many shrubs are low-maintenance and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. They can be used for borders or natural privacy. Some shrubs to consider are:

• Hawthorn is one of the best shrubs to grow in the UK. It grows well in a variety of soils and requires little maintenance.

• The Aspen is a native shrub/small tree that offers a large amount of shade and is tolerant of most soils, making it a versatile plant.

• Holly is a shrub that grows in many areas of the UK and makes a great privacy hedge. It grows very quickly and requires very little maintenance.

Wildflowers

If you’re looking for beautiful bloomers that thrive in different soil types and can withstand different weather conditions, consider these. Some perennials to grow are Primrose, a flowering plant that loves shade and can be used for ornamental purposes. Fritillary is another great option; it’s a perennial that blooms in the spring and can be used in humid areas. Finally, the Lily of the valley is a beautiful flowering plant that can be planted in dry shade. It blooms in the spring and attracts a variety of butterflies and bees.

Fruiting plants and vegetables

You can grow some delicious and easy-to-care-for plants in your garden or backyard. Some plants to consider are:

• Bush Beans are easy to grow and make a great addition to any garden. They produce beans that are high in fibre and low in calories.

• Carrots are planted in early spring and will make delicious and nutritious carrots. They are best when grown in loam soil with lots of organic matter.

• Potatoes grow best in sandy loam soil and will provide you with delicious potatoes. They are best when planted in the fall.

Conclusion

There are many native and sustainable outdoor plants to choose from when creating your garden or landscaping your backyard. These plants are easy to care for and often require little water and fertiliser. When selecting plants for your garden, do your research to determine which plants best suit your area and soil type. Additionally, ensure you know what kind of care each plant requires to maintain them properly. With a little bit of effort, you can have a beautiful garden that is sustainable and easy to maintain!