Gardening with Natives vs. Conventional Gardening: Why Choosing Native Plants Matters

“As native gardeners, we observe both the rhythm and the changes each year. Our activities put us in the habit of noticing the details of our surroundings. Consciously or not, we hone a sense of place and a sense of time. Native gardening enriches us throughout the year.” – Helen Popper

Native gardens can help you observe the natural rhythms and subtle changes of each season. The act of tending to them encourages you to notice the small details in your surroundings, deepening your awareness of both place and time. Whether you realize it or not, caring for native plants fosters a stronger connection to the world around you and brings enrichment throughout the year.

When it comes to creating a thriving garden, many people default to conventional gardening with non-native plants. But there’s a better, more sustainable option: gardening with native plants. Especially in regions like Southern California, choosing native species can make all the difference for water conservation, wildlife, and the beauty of your landscape.

The Case for Native Plants

Native plants are those that naturally occur in a region and have adapted to its climate, soil, and ecosystem over centuries. In Southern California, this means plants that thrive in dry, Mediterranean-like conditions. By incorporating natives into your garden, you’re not just planting—you’re investing in a more sustainable lifestyle.

Here’s why native gardening beats conventional gardening in so many ways:

• 🌱 Year-Round Beauty – Native plants are stunning throughout the seasons, offering texture, blooms, and greenery without requiring high maintenance.

• 💧 Water Efficiency – Native plants use 50% to 80% less water than non-native species. In drought-prone areas like California, that’s a game-changer. With the right irrigation system—or in many cases, very little irrigation—you can maintain a lush garden while dramatically cutting water usage.

• 🐝 Wildlife Habitat – From butterflies and birds to bees, native gardens provide essential habitat and food sources for pollinators and local wildlife. Conventional lawns and exotic flowers simply don’t offer the same ecosystem benefits.

• 🌍 Adapted to Local Soils – Because natives evolved in the region, they’re better suited to the soil you already have. This means fewer soil amendments and less fuss.

• 🚫 Low Chemical Use – Native plants rarely require pesticides or fertilizers, unlike many non-native ornamentals. That’s healthier for you, your family, and the planet.

• 🧡 Connection to Place – Planting natives ties you to your natural and cultural heritage. It’s a way of honoring the history and landscape of where you live.

Conventional Gardening: Why It Falls Short

Conventional gardening often relies on exotic plants and grassy lawns that require constant irrigation, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides to survive. While these gardens may look beautiful, they:

• Demand high water usage (often unsustainable in dry climates)

• Require constant upkeep and lawn care

• Provide little to no benefit to local pollinators and wildlife

• Depend on fertilizers and pesticides that can harm the environment

  
  

The result? A higher-maintenance garden that costs more money, takes more work, and doesn’t support the natural ecosystem.

Water Conservation and Irrigation: The Native Advantage

In Southern California, water is a precious resource. Choosing native plants is one of the most effective ways to conserve water in your garden. With efficient drip irrigation systems—or sometimes no irrigation at all—native landscapes can stay lush and healthy even during dry spells.

Think of it this way: when you plant natives, you’re not just saving money on your water bill—you’re also helping your community by reducing strain on local water supplies. It’s a win-win.

The Bigger Picture: A Garden That Gives Back

When you choose native plants over conventional gardening methods, you’re not just designing a pretty outdoor space. You’re contributing to a healthier ecosystem, a more sustainable lifestyle, and a deeper connection to the land.

Native gardening encourages us to slow down, notice the rhythms of nature, and appreciate the world right outside our door. As Helen Popper said, it gives us both a sense of place and a sense of time—something no conventional garden can truly offer.