Why Native Plants?
At Fairnilee, we believe that gardens should do more than look beautiful — they should support life. That’s why we work exclusively with native plants: the trees, grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers that have co-evolved with the land, the climate, and the creatures who depend on them.
Native plants create habitat. They feed pollinators, nourish birds, restore soil health, and bring balance back to the places we call home.
Every garden, no matter how small, can become part of a larger patchwork of healing.
Gardens that belong. Landscapes that heal.
What Makes a Plant “Native”?
A native plant is one that has grown in a particular region over thousands of years, in relationship with the local soil, wildlife, and climate. These plants are from here. They’ve adapted to this place, and in turn, every bee, butterfly, and bird that depends on them has too.
When we plant natives, we restore those lost relationships — and create vibrant, living landscapes that don’t need pesticides, fertilizers, or constant intervention to thrive.
What Happens When We Don’t?
Most conventional landscaping relies on exotic ornamentals — plants imported from Europe or Asia that may be pretty, but are often ecologically silent.
They don’t feed our caterpillars. They don’t support our birds. Some even escape cultivation and invade wild areas, pushing native species out.
“We’ve planted gardens that look good to us, but offer nothing to the species that share our space.”
— Doug Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home
Native Plants Support Wildlife
Butterflies & Moths: Most caterpillars can only eat the leaves of native plants. No caterpillars = no birds.
Pollinators: Native bees need native blooms for nectar and pollen — from early spring through late fall.
Birds: 96% of terrestrial birds feed their young insects. No insects = no nestlings. Native plants rebuild the food web from the soil up.
Turtles, frogs, fireflies, and foxes: Even creatures you don’t expect benefit from healthier, more diverse ecosystems.
One native oak tree can support over 500 species of caterpillars. A Bradford pear supports almost none.
Beauty That Belongs
Native gardens aren’t wild messes — they can be elegant, artistic, and deeply peaceful. Lydia designs gardens that honor the spirit of the land while meeting the unique needs of each client. Native plantings can be lush, orderly, meadowy, woodsy, or structured — but always full of life.
“There is nothing more beautiful than a landscape in balance.”
— Lydia Hastings
Start Small. Plant with Purpose.
You don’t have to tear out your whole yard. Even a few native plants can make a difference. A goldenrod by the mailbox. A patch of coneflower and milkweed. A shade garden with ferns and foamflower.
Every native plant you add is a step toward a more resilient, living world.