Which of the following are benefits of gardening with native plants?

• A. Creating a sense of place
• B. All of the above
• C. Protecting wildlife habitat
• D. Maintaining and conserving plant biodiversity

Answer: (B)

Using native plants in your garden gives multiple, intertwined benefits that reinforce one another. Choosing species that are native to the area helps create a landscape that feels connected to the land, because these plants have naturally occurred here for generations and respond well to local conditions. This sense of place is enhanced when the garden mirrors the region’s natural habitats.

Native plants also champion wildlife, providing familiar food and shelter for local insects, birds, and other wildlife. They support pollinators with nectar and pollen at various times of the year and offer larval food for caterpillars, which keeps many birds fed and thriving. Because they are part of the local ecological web, they help sustain wildlife communities more effectively than non-native options.

Moreover, planting a diverse mix of native species maintains and conserves plant biodiversity. It protects genetic diversity within native plant populations and preserves the relationships between plants, insects, and other organisms that have evolved together. This biodiversity also contributes to a more resilient garden that can better withstand environmental stresses.

Since all of these benefits are real and interconnected, the best choice is the one that encompasses them all. All of the above.