Why use native plants in rain gardens?

We recommend using native plants in your rain garden for a number of reasons. Our garden designs are a combination of native species and of  non-native plants (for example, daylilies do very well in rain gardens). Although many non-natives also do well, there are some unique benefits to using natives that you should consider.

Native plants can tough it out

Plants that are native to your area are uniquely adapted to thriving in the local weather, soils, and ecosystems. They have been working at it for years (thousands, in fact). They live through droughts and downpours, and survive the winters without special care. Fertilizer will make them grow bigger, but they grow beautifully without it. Pests munch on them and the plants bounce right back without chemical pesticide sprays. Just think of the reduced chemical load in your yard!  Much healthier for you, children and pets. 

Native plants attract beautiful creatures

Native plants also have relationships with local butterflies, insects, birds, animals and other plants that they have developed by living together over thousands of years. Planting natives in your landscape helps provide habitat for local wildlife. How long has it been since your yard was decorated by  butterflies and birds?

Native plants have deep roots

Native plants are great helpers for protecting water quality in your neighborhood. The deep roots of many established native plants increase the ability of soil to hold water. For example, Blue False Indigo, Baptisia australis,  grows only 3-5 feet tall, but the roots may go down 25 feet! These fantastic roots create deep channels in the soil for rain to soak into. Some of the roots die each year, and new roots grow. The  decomposing roots enrich soil, making it more fertile and absorbant. The root systems also hold soil together and help prevent erosion.

Where can native plants be obtained?

Many of the native plants that do well in rain gardens are not available from traditional plant nurseries and retailers. One must instead contact certified, inspected professional nurseries that specialize in native species, such as the Michigan Native Plant Producers Association.

Wherever you get them, verify that the native plants you purchase are not collected from the wild, reducing local populations, but are instead produced in a sustainable way by the nursery.

Please do not take your plants from the wild. Doing so disturbs local plant ecosystems and is often illegal. The plants you want may indeed now "grow everywhere", but they soon won't be if people start removing them from native populations.

If there is a local Wild Ones chapter, or a nearby garden club, they often hold plant exchanges or sales. Plant rescue is another option; get permission to remove plants from a site where construction will soon destroy them and their habitat. Or, if you want to wait that long, you can grow plants from seed.

We are currently updating a downloadable list of retail and wholesale sources for native plants and seeds, for Michigan and surrounding regions. This list is not an endorsement of these suppliers, but is merely listed for your convenience.  It is important that anyone purchasing from any of these suppliers understand that it is their own responsibility to ensure that they are getting a reliable and quality product.

Plan Ahead for Plant Needs

Timing is extremely important in obtaining plants for your rain garden or bioretention project. It is not possible for suppliers to keep an extensive inventory of native plants and seeds on hand. In fact, some native plant producers only have plants on hand that have been pre-ordered. Growers try to anticipate needs for native plants and seeds, but it is not economically practical for them to grow plants they do not have a ready market for. Many of them grow plants to order, but it can take several years to grow plant material or collect seed for a specific project. This is even more complicated if you are seeking plants or seeds from a specific region, if you want to use local genomes for your project. Keep this in mind when you are searching for particular plants or large quantities of plants.

One solution to the plant availability problem is to start your own native plant nursery to provide for your own project needs. This does take time, effort and money to establish, but is well worth the effort if your needs will last for several years.

We wish you good fortune in your plant-seeking ventures.

Now that you have your plants selected, it's time to plant the garden.