Look for natives that thrive in the sites you offer. Once established, native plants usually ask for little. They tolerate less water, difficult soils and other harsh conditions common to Hampton Roads. Natives, however, do seem to have developed enough defense mechanisms to survive temporary set-backs without the continual herbicide treatments and fertilization that introduced plants might require. Many natives are important food sources for wildlife.
Bluebirds look for arrowwood viburnum with ripe berries.
Putting native plants in our gardens helps us maintain regional diversity and encourages us to investigate the folklore and heritage behind plants, says Holly. One of her personal favorites is Solomon's seal. The plant contains allantoin, says Holly, which figures prominently in the external treatment of wounds and skin ulcers. Native plants help us maintain regional identity and diversity, says Holly. They increase our sense of community pride.