Gardening for Clean Water provides local nurseries with native plant education and tools for staff and customers to promote the use of native plants and clean water.
What is a native plant?
Native plants are species of plants that are originally from a specific region. These can be trees, shrubs, grasses, ferns, graminoids, and forbs.
Why are native plants important?
Native species of plants have been co-evolving with other species of birds, insects, and other wildlife for thousands of years. This has created crucial relationships in which these animals rely on certain plants to breed or eat. Without native plants, many species of wildlife would go extinct. Non-native alternatives do not provide these same ecosystem services and therefore can cause indirect harm to wildlife.
Not only are native plants important to animals, but they also provide numerous benefits to improve water quality. Compared to non-native plant species, native plants have extensive root systems that help absorb and filter pollutants from stormwater. These root systems also improve soil health and help hold soil into place better, reducing erosion and keeping sediment out of local streams and rivers!
By planting native plants, you are taking a step to support local wildlife and improve water quality in Central Ohio!
The program currently involves optional education for nursery employees about stormwater pollution, an onsite store display, and rain garden plant tags. About 10 local nurseries are visited several times a year where nearly 50 perennials and woody shrubs are marked with species name and a “Suitable for Rain Gardens” placard. This program receives support from following cities and municipal communities: Bexley, Canal Winchester, Columbus, Dublin, Franklin County, Hilliard, New Albany, and Westerville.