Plant Native Plants in Your Yard

Scientists have identified habitat loss as one of the biggest reasons for the decline in bird populations. You can make a difference by adding native plants to your yard.

A plant is native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region, ecosystem or habitat without human introduction. Native plants provide shelter and nesting areas for birds, as well as natural sources for nectar, seeds, berries and insects.

For us in Southwest Ohio, The Ohio State University is a trusted resource for learning about our local native plants and native shrubs.

Native Plant Facts

  1. Native plants typically grow healthier and stronger than non-natives.
  2. Native plants are low maintenance, requiring less watering, fertilizer and pesticides.
  3. Native plants assist in managing rainwater runoff and maintain healthy soil as their root systems are deep and keep soil from being compacted.

For you, native plants add a wealth of beauty, texture, varying heights and bloom times, providing a stunning display over multiple seasons. For birds, native trees and plants are home to caterpillars and other insects, which provide food for nestlings.

Adding native plants is one of the 7 Simple Actions to Help Birds. Stop by the store to learn more about native plants and actions you can take to help #SaveTheSongBirds.


Watch as Austin Miller from Birdsong Landscapes turns Annie's yard into a native paradise for the birds! Austin is an environmental restorationist who talks with Annie about why planting natives is so important for the health of our feathered friends as well as for the ecosystem in general. In this video, Austin provides tips on how to start planting native without getting overwhelmed AND he explains his process of designing a native landscaping plot for a small, suburban front yard (aka Annie's yard!)

Be sure to check back later this summer to see how Annie's native landscape takes off! (These plants were planted right before taking the video so they are just babies) :) If you would like some native landscape design assistance (including invasive plant removal), visit Birdsong Landscapes on Facebook.