Native Plants Surge as Gardeners Try to Save Bees & Butterflies
Native Plants Surge as Gardeners Try to Save Bees & Butterflies As insect populations decline, home gardens are changing. Native species—milkweed, coneflowers, goldenrod and native grasses—are transforming front yards and parkways into vital habitat for pollinators and birds. What was once a niche interest among ecological hobbyists is now a mainstream response to a global conservation problem: declining insect populations. Native plants are experiencing a renaissance. Groups dedicated to local species have ballooned in membership, retailers report surging sales, and homeowners are swapping turf for nectar-rich beds. What was once a niche interest among ecological hobbyists is now a mainstream response to a global conservation problem: declining insect populations. Numbers that matter While comprehensive national tracking is limited, regional indicators are clear. Native gardening groups across the Midwest have grown rapidly, and some garden centers report spring n...