There is much debate currently about whether we should populate our yards with plants native to the land our homes rest on, be it the region of the continent or even as specific as the micro-climate of our region or city, or plant anything regardless of where it evolved.
One point made by people who encourage native plantings is that it’s easier to garden with them. There’s less amending the soil, or planting in pots as they won’t survive one season or another and must be moved inside. You don’t have to worry about things like toxicity to wildlife. If anything it exponentially attracts more to your yard. Note this does not mean your pets won’t eat the toxic plant. Please plant with your household’s safety in mind.
Another point is that plants that evolved here over millennia do a better job of holding the soil in place enabling a soil web to form (see permaculture). This balance in the soil biology attracts and nourishes the many flora and fauna attracted by that balance. Please note that this is an oversimplification and you should do a deep dive on permaculture if this interests you.
Some people think there is no quantifiable reason to plant only native plants. They think that all plants have a place in your yard as you are the master of your domain and should be able to plant what you like.
I tend to lean towards granting myself grace on the many plants I put in my yard before I knew about the importance of supporting my local ecosystem with native flora, regardless of native status. However, if a plant becomes a current or future problem, I don’t think twice about removing it. Going forward, the only plants I deliberately plant in my yard are native, unless they provide sustenance or have a medicinal purpose.
This comes back to the heart of how I choose plants for my yard.
Know better, do better.
Yardening 