Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. These important plant species provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. Unlike natives, common horticultural plants do not provide energetic rewards for their visitors and often require insect pest control to survive.
Salem UCC Native Plants
Salem UCC is on Certified Sacred Grounds
The National Wildlife Federation, America's most extensive wildlife conservation and education organization, designated Salem United Church of Christ in downtown Farmington as a Certified Sacred Native Habitat through its Sacred Grounds Program on September 26th, 2021.
Churches that dedicate a portion of their land to support sustainable native habitats by planting native plants, providing water, and cover for birds, bees, insects, and small animals join a growing number of churches that are dedicated to environmental stewardship and are taking steps to mitigate climate change.
Over the past years, Salem has replanted the traditional perennial gardens with various native plants, creating a woodland garden and a pollinator garden and replacing the traditional landscape in front of the building with a prairie garden. It takes a few years for the plants to reach full maturity, but while we wait, the roots will grow strong, and the soil will be replenished. Many of our plants have bloomed, and we’ve noticed an increase in birds, bees, insects, and butterflies!
You can learn more about the National Wildlife Federation.
Why go native?
Native plants are healthier and more robust. Plants native to an area are more likely to establish quickly and naturally be hardy and healthy. Native plants have evolved over thousands of years, learning to thrive in particular areas—they grow in harmony with the environment, the soil, the water supply, and the weather throughout all seasons. They don’t require pesticides.
Native plants require less water and help prevent erosion.
The deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil's capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, flooding. Native plants help reduce air pollution.
Native plants sequester or remove carbon from the air.
Native plants create wildlife habitats. When native plants thrive in their original environment, they create a natural habitat for wildlife that benefits the environment and adds life to your outdoor space. We think of the apparent pollinators, like bees, birds, and butterflies, but these plants can also help create homes for small animals, warm and cold-blooded, and microscopic organisms in the soil. All these living things have jobs to do; the natural environment promotes a symbiotic relationship.
Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage. Native plants are beautiful and increase scenic value.