Edel “The Mediocre Gardener” here, and I’m going to help you start your gardening journey without the stress of perfection. With the new year comes a fresh chance to plan your dream garden—one that’s not only beautiful to you but also supports the local ecosystem. And what better way to make a difference than by planting native plants?

Why Native Plants are the MVPs of Your Garden

Native plants are like the ultimate multitaskers of the gardening world. They’ve spent centuries hanging out with the local wildlife, which means they’re perfectly suited to support the birds, bees, and butterflies in your area. Plus, they’re low-maintenance, resilient, and don’t need a ton of extra watering to thrive. That’s a win-win for you and the planet. Although I will say, some of those plants are really tasty for deer and bunnies, so if you can, wrap them in chicken wire to give them a chance to get established. 

Take asters, for example. These starry beauties provide food for pollinators and support over 100 species of insects. Monarch butterflies? They’re all about milkweed. And goldenrod? It’s a buffet for bees and birds alike. By adding just these 3 plants to your garden, you’re creating a haven for wildlife while keeping things easy for you.

Spring Fever: The Perfect Time to Get Started

There’s nothing like the promise of spring to get you excited about gardening. The days get longer, the soil warms up, and everything starts to come alive. But here’s the thing: as tempting as it is to start planting the moment the snow melts, patience is key. For those tender plants, don’t even think about planting them out until after Mother’s Day. Trust me, I’ve lost plenty of plants to a sneaky late-season freeze. Take your time, and let spring do its thing before you dive in.

How to Choose Native Plants for Your Garden

First, get to know the growing conditions in your garden. What’s your soil like? How much sun does your garden get? And what’s your growing zone? In Glenside, we’re in Pennsylvania’s zone 7A, and some of my favorite native picks include:

• Perennials: Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, and wild bergamot.
• Shrubs: Serviceberry, winterberry holly, and spicebush.
• Trees: Red maple, eastern redbud, and white oak. (Which you can pick up at the bi-annual Shade Tree Commission tree giveaway in spring) 

These plants are not only gorgeous but also incredibly functional, offering food and shelter for all kinds of critters. Mix them in with your veggies or ornamentals for a garden that’s as practical as it is pretty.

Shop Local, Plant Local

When it comes to buying native plants, Primex has a large choice of natives. They actually have a handy label that says native so they’re easy to spot. You can also check out Temple Ambler Arboretum’s Collins Nursery which only stocks natives and sells them a few times across the year. Sign up for their newsletter to make sure you know when they go on sale. The Native Plant Trust is a great online resource, and your local extension office can point you in the right direction, too. Remember, mistakes welcome and happy planting! Send any questions to dearmediocregardener@gmail.com

For the first installment of Glenside Local’s “The Mediocre Gardener” column, you can click here.

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Photo Credit: Tom Koerner/USFWS