Gardeners across the Hudson Valley, including Rockland and Bergen Counties, are choosing native plants as a sustainable and low-maintenance option for their landscapes. These plants, naturally suited to local conditions, typically need less water, fertilizer, and upkeep once established. They also directly support pollinators and help create a healthier environment.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Native Plants
At Down to Earth Living in Pomona, interest in native perennials continues to grow as homeowners look beyond curb appeal and focus on creating landscapes with a purpose. Rather than relying on plants that need intensive upkeep, many gardeners are choosing native varieties adapted to thrive in the local environment, supporting biodiversity, improving soil health and helping create healthier, more resilient gardens.
Native Plants Well-Suited to Northeast Gardens
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Tough summer bloomer; attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) Tubular flowers favored by hummingbirds and native bees.
- Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) Late-season blooms for butterflies and pollinators.
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) Key late nectar source for butterflies, native bees.
- Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) Fragrant blooms support diverse pollinators.
- Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) Tall, moisture-loving; attracts butterflies.
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) Late color, nectar when others fade.
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) Serves as a host plant for monarch butterflies while also providing nectar for other pollinators.
- Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum) Tall, narrow bunching grass with great texture and movement. An important component of tallgrass prairie. Topped by cloud-like pink seed clusters that serve as a winter food source for birds. Grows easily.
- Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) Elegant, lush grass with graceful, flat flowers that turn copper in fall. Provides a winter food source for birds. Tolerates average to dry soil conditions and is great for erosion control.
Planting a diverse mix of native species encourages blooms from early spring through fall, helping support pollinators throughout the seasons. Grouping plants in clusters can also improve foraging efficiency while creating a fuller, more cohesive landscape design.
Why Native Plants Are a Smart Choice for Local Gardens
Native plants offer a range of benefits that make them an ideal pick for gardeners in our region:
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they typically need less water, fertilizer, and overall care.
- Pollinator-Friendly: They attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other essential pollinators that help your garden thrive.
- Deer-Resistant Options: Many native varieties are naturally less appealing to deer.
- Healthier Soil: Improves soil structure and reduces erosion
- Better Water Management: They boost stormwater absorption and contribute to cleaner water systems.
- Climate Resilience: These plants are well adapted to local weather patterns and conditions.
- Fewer Chemicals Needed: Their natural hardiness helps reduce the need for pesticides or synthetic treatments.
- Layered Landscapes: Native plantings create layered, multi-functional landscapes
- Season-Long Support: Varied bloom times support wildlife throughout the season
- Visual Interest: Diverse growth habits add structure and interest
- Naturally Evolving Beauty: Native landscapes mature and change over time, creating dynamic gardens.
Native plants offer long-term ecological advantages. Selecting the right plants for specific site conditions and planning for a range of bloom times are key to long term success.
Expert Help Choosing the Right Native Plants
Down to Earth Living has expanded its selection of native plants, making it easier for homeowners to bring these sustainable choices into their landscapes. The team at Down to Earth can help evaluate site conditions and recommend varieties suited to specific light, soil and moisture needs, whether the goal is improving drainage, stabilizing soil, attracting pollinators or creating a healthier, more resilient garden.
“We love seeing what inspires you! Bring examples of what you want to do (online screenshots or magazine clippings for example), along with photos of the area you would like to enhance, and we will guide you as to how best to accomplish the look you want. We’ll help you select the right plants, bushes, pots, statuary and more. Our expanded indoor plant showroom is now open for the spring season, and we’re excited to offer free repotting when you purchase a plant or pot. Our goal is to make your shopping experience personal and enjoyable,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living.
Have you Been to Down to Earth Living
Down to Earth Living, now in its 56th year, is a Garden Center serving Rockland, Bergen and Orange counties and the Hudson Valley, offering 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new plants arriving every week. The 10,000 square foot showroom offers a large and unique selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum and all-weather dining and deep-seating furniture. The center is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, New York. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.
