Ohio Native Plant Month!

The Governor has declared April Ohio Native Plant Month, which I think is really cool! This will be Ohio's first Native Plant Month, along with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. With the legislation, the state of Ohio became one of the first states in the country to designate one month each year to recognize native plants and the essential role they play in our ecosystem.

Ohio House Bill 59 States:

“The month of April is designated as ‘Ohio Native Plant Month’ to increase public awareness of Ohio’s native plants and the many benefits they provide to pollinators, Ohio’s economy, and the health of Ohio’s environment.”

Why is "native" a big deal? Native plants are plants indigenous to a given area in geologic time. This includes plants that have developed, occur naturally, or existed for many years in an area.

Simply put, native plants are hardwired to know our soil and weather requirements making them far easier to care for. Also, the birds, bees, butterflies and other native animals are hardwired to rely on the food and shelter from these plants.

This spring consider planting native. Oakland Nursery, Scioto Gardens, Natives in Harmony, Groovy Plants Ranch and many other local nurseries are more than capable of helping you in choosing the right plants. You'll love how your yard looks and you'll be doing a really nifty nature deed!

“Planting native makes your gardening endeavors SOO much easier!”

*You can see a comprehensive list of native Ohio plants HERE and HERE