Submitted by admin on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 15:16

Why Plant Indigenous
Indigenous is trendy as there is a worldwide swing towards organics and planting local species.
• Indigenous plants (sometime also called native plants) are plants that have evolved over thousands of years in a particular region. They have adapted to the geography, hydrology, and climate of that region. These plants occur in communities, that is, they have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a community of indigenous plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies.
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South Africa is home to more than 26 000 indigenous flowering plants from almost 230 different families. It is also the proud home of 10% of the world’s flowering species, making it a major contributor to the global ecological scene.
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In our increasingly urbanized world, much of the threat to our native wildlife is through loss of habitat due to clearing for urban development or agriculture. This can be seen as a "death threat" for our native bushland, which has become increasingly fragmented as a result.
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Even if you live on a small plot, planting a garden will help to stabilize soil, prevent dust and sand blowing into your home, create shade to cool the house and provide a space for animals and plants to live – creating an ecosystem and supporting biodiversity.
• An indigenous garden will increase the value of your property as it has become a sought after, international trend in wildlife gardening.
Why use Indigenous plants?
• Indigenous plants do not require excessive fertilizers, pesticides and water and therefore excess fertilizer and pesticides does not find its way into our watercourses.
• Indigenous plants help reduce air pollution.
• Indigenous plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.
• Indigenous plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage and eco systems.
• Indigenous plants save money and are low maintenance.
• Providing clean fresh air.
• Increasing rainfall by releasing water vapour through transpiration.)
• Securing our food resources: around one-third of our food comes from plants that rely on native pollinators such as insects!
• Indigenous plants are used to develop new medicines, cosmetics and foods so conservation will benefit future generations.
• Your indigenous garden will provide joy and entertainment on your doorstep as it’s a delight to see the butterflies, birds and “all creatures great and small” reaping the benefits of you endeavours.
• Our plants are adapted to our rainfall patterns, droughts and extremes in temperature.
• Local is “lekker”.
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