The traditional American lawn, known for its neatly trimmed, green grass, has long been a symbol of suburban perfection. Many weekends are spent mowing, trimming, and maintaining these lawns. However, a growing movement encourages homeowners to replace the familiar Bermuda grass with native plants, embracing a more natural landscape.
Native plants are species naturally found in the Charleston area, including flowers, grasses, and other vegetation. These plants are well-suited to the Lowcountry’s hot, humid climate and even thrive in the region’s salty air. According to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, native plants require less water and help manage rainwater runoff due to their root systems, which are well-adapted to the local soil and unpredictable weather patterns.
Choosing native plants for your yard not only creates a low-maintenance garden but also establishes a thriving habitat for local wildlife. Native plants attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, along with other animals. For instance, milkweed, native to South Carolina, is a key plant for Monarch butterflies, whose population has dramatically declined in recent decades, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Black-eyed Susans, with their bright yellow petals and dark centers, are another native perennial that requires little upkeep. They provide nectar for bees and butterflies, as well as seeds for birds. Instead of relying on sugar-water-filled hummingbird feeders, consider planting cardinal flowers. Their red petals and sweet nectar naturally attract hummingbirds.
Ferns, like the Christmas fern, Royal fern, and Southern Lady fern, are ideal for providing shelter to amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders. These creatures play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, particularly mosquitoes, which are prevalent during the humid summer months.
Charleston offers several places to purchase native plants, from local nurseries to annual events.
One such event is Plantasia, hosted by the Charleston Horticultural Society each spring. This free market caters to gardeners of all levels and offers various native plant species for sale. Attendees can also seek advice from horticultural experts.
Roots and Shoots Nursery, located on Wappoo Road in West Ashley, specializes in native plants and Southern fruits. The nursery also offers workshops on native gardening and provides plants that are deer-resistant and salt-tolerant, along with the necessary tools for planting.
The South Carolina Native Plant Society (SCNPS) hosts plant sales and markets across the state each spring and fall. The Lowcountry chapter of SCNPS also runs a Native Plant Grant Program, which awards up to $750 to organizations, schools, and community groups interested in incorporating native plants into their projects or removing invasive species.
By choosing native plants, homeowners can help restore local ecosystems while creating vibrant, low-maintenance landscapes.