Native Plants..?

You might be wondering what the deal is with native plants and what exactly makes native landscaping so different. Studies have shown that birds and pollinators depend on native plants for food and shelter, especially for raising their young. Exotic species widely used in traditional landscaping do not provide proper nutrients for wildlife and can be thought of more as candy for pollinators. Native plant species produce nectar, pollen, fruit and harbor a variety of native insects that birds and pollinators depend on for survival. Native plants have evolved to thrive in our local climate and do not require herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer. As development increases in your community, habitat has traditionally been lost completely. Our mission at Lawn Be Gone is to change the equation with urban landscaping by utilizing any space to support local plants and wildlife. 

So why “Lawn Be Gone” and not “Native Plants Be Here”? Look around your neighborhood and you will find bright green, neatly manicured lawns throughout the year. In fact, lawns are the number one most irrigated crop in the United States today. The American fascination with lawns does not meet the current demands of our climate and native ecosystems. Here in the Southern Willamette Valley, lawns require an excess amount of water to survive our hot, dry summers and need to be maintained year round, commonly with gas powered equipment and fertilizers. On top of all that, they are ecological dead zones!

We understand that folks love their lawns for a variety of reasons. Maybe for your dog, your kids, your Sunday naps, or your many games of croquet. Lawn Be Gone is encouraging you to rethink traditional landscaping and consider adding native plants to your space. A full native plant yard, a few shrubs and trees, a small patch of native grasses, even a flower pot full of natives can be the reprieve a butterfly needs on its journey from one patch of habitat to the next. Supporting local ecosystems and their inhabitants is a community effort and we are here to help. Are you ready to help our native ecosystems? Contact us today!