Intro to Eco-Design
Silver Hill Studios hosted us for our first (of many talks) with Sharleen Johnson and Al Mason on the importance of planting native species.
Both Sharleen and Al are our native plant sounding boards. They both “embrace the rich biodiversity of the Southeast by prioritizing the use of native plant species in our designs.” -Plan’Td
In addition to learning about different native plant palettes of the Southeast, here were some key takeaways from the night on the benefits of gardening for the birds and the bugs:
Biodiversity Enhancement:
Pollinator Attraction:
Many native plants have evolved alongside local pollinators, we call these pollinators specialized and they are both crucial to each other for health and reproduction.
Water Conservation:
Native plants are often well-adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil conditions, reducing the need for excessive watering once they are established.
Resilience to Pests and Diseases:
Native plants have developed natural defenses against local pests and diseases, which means you don’t have to worry about gross chemicals.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Native plants are beautiful and well-suited to the local landscape. It just takes a bit of intentional design to make sure the neighbors are pleased, which is where Sharleen and Al can help if you don’t have an eye for layout.
