Spider Lili - photo from USGS
At LOOP NOLA, we lead wetlands ecology lessons for students in K-12th grade to increase awareness about our local habitat and the issues that face our region. Students participate in hands-on activities that directly relate to grade level Louisiana State Science Standards. Throughout all of our programs, we use environmental stewardship themes to help students gain respect for the environment and see themselves as part of the solution to current environmental problems.
These lessons apply to adults as well though! As adults, we all need a little help figuring out how to make our environment thrive. Plenty of us didn’t grow up learning these lessons in school, so we don’t know the best day-to-day strategies to maintain a healthy environment within the city. Hopefully this article will help aspiring New Orleans gardeners bring beauty to their yards while supporting the local ecosystem. When we all work together to spread awareness and plant responsibly, more people will enjoy the benefits of a healthy New Orleans.
Spring is almost here, and now is the perfect time to think about your upcoming gardening plans. For many New Orleanians, it’s tough to know which plants will add a little flare to your yard without creating a ton of work or causing any damage. Adding Louisiana native plants to your garden is an excellent way to support the local ecosystem, improve soil health, and provide habitat for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife that are found in the region.
Native plants are plants that occur naturally in a particular region, having evolved over time to thrive in local conditions. Louisiana native plants that are adapted to the local conditions are ideal for the hot and humid climate, as they require less maintenance, water, and fertilizer than non-native species. They’re also more resistant to pests and diseases, making them a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. One of the most significant benefits of planting native species is that they support local wildlife, including pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These creatures have evolved alongside native plants, and they rely on them for food, shelter, and breeding sites. By planting native species, you can help create a healthier and more diverse ecosystem, which, in turn, helps to support the health and well-being of all living things.
Invasive species, on the other hand, are non-native plants that have been introduced to an ecosystem and have the potential to cause significant harm. Invasive species can displace native species, reducing biodiversity and altering entire ecosystems. They can also increase the risk of wildfire, damage infrastructure, and even affect human health. Invasive plants are often more aggressive and grow faster than native plants, allowing them to outcompete native plants for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients. They can quickly establish themselves in new environments, making them difficult to control or eradicate.
Adding native plants to your garden is a great way to support the local ecosystem, promote biodiversity in the region, and create new habitats for our native critters. By avoiding invasive species, you can help prevent the spread of harmful plants and protect the health of the environment. Additionally, planting native species helps improve soil health and reduces the need for excess water and fertilizer, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Plus, native plants are more likely to survive our harsh summer weather conditions without needing constant attention.
5 Native Louisiana plants to add to your garden
1. Louisiana Iris (Iris brevicaulis): Louisiana Iris is the official state wildflower and is a popular choice for gardeners. Louisiana Iris is a stunning native plant that is known for its showy flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. They are great for adding color to your garden in the spring and are easy to grow in wet or moist soil.
2. Gulf Coast Penstemon (Penstemon tenuis): Gulf Coast Penstemon is a drought-tolerant native plant that produces lovely pinkish-purple flowers in the spring. They are great for attracting pollinators and can be grown in full sun to part shade.
3. Spider Lily (Hymenocallis littoralis): Spider Lily is a gorgeous native plant that is known for its large, white, spider-like flowers that bloom in the spring. They prefer well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun to part shade.
4. Louisiana Phlox (Phlox divaricata): Louisiana Phlox is a beautiful native plant that produces delicate, lavender-blue flowers in the spring. They are great for adding color to shaded areas of your garden and prefer moist, well-drained soil.
5. Louisiana Sage (Salvia coccinea): Louisiana Sage is a native plant that produces bright red flowers in the spring and fall. They are great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies and can be grown in full sun to part shade.
All of these plants are well-suited for a home garden in the New Orleans area and can be planted in the spring to ensure they establish strong root systems before the heat of the summer sets in.
