Native Plants
Canada's native plants are an important part of our natural heritage. Nothing evokes 'Canada' as much as the sight of a maple leaf in autumn. There are actually over 1000 species of plants native to Nova Scotia1, enough to provide diversity and colour to any garden!
Four Reasons to Plant Native Plants
Reduce Need for Garden Maintenance: Because native plants are adapted to local climate and soils, they typically require very little (if any) watering, fertilizer or maintenance when planted in the right place.1
Protect Canadian Biodiversity: By growing native plants in your yard, you are helping to protect the species, keeping its population up and ensuring that it has somewhere safe to grow.1
Attract Wildlife: Many wildlife species depend on native plants to survive.1
Add Variety to Your Garden: Having native plants in your garden can be a great way to display plants that you might not find in your typical garden. Native plants typically have rich histories, traditional uses and relationships with our native wildlife that can make them an interesting conversation piece as well.
When looking for native plants, be sure to buy them from a reputable retailer who does not collect plants from the wild, as doing so can damage the natural ecosystems from which they come. For a list of retailers in Nova Scotia who sell native plants, click here. And for a list of commonly available native plants, click here.
Image provided by the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, Acadia University
