Native plants taking root worldwide

Discover how native gardens worldwide support wildlife, conserve water, and enhance climate resilience

- Sujal Chawathe

Across the world, homeowners, landscapers, and community gardeners are rethinking their choices of what to plant. Instead of relying solely on showy imported ornamentals, more and more people are turning toward native plantsspecies that have evolved naturally in a particular region over thousands of years. What was once seen as a niche movement embraced mainly by ecologists is now going mainstream, transforming suburban yards, urban rooftops, and even public parks.

Global gardening shift

From the drought-prone suburbs of California to the rain-soaked villages of India, a growing awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity is prompting gardeners to reconsider their plant palettes. In Australia, local councils now encourage homeowners to use native eucalyptus, bottlebrush, and grevillea to create resilient, wildlife-friendly gardens. In Europe, residents are planting wildflowers such as cornflowers, poppies, and oxeye daisies in place of thirsty lawns. Even in bustling cities like New York, Tokyo, and Nairobi, rooftop gardens filled with native grasses and shrubs are becoming symbols of sustainable living.

The appeal is simple: native plants are uniquely adapted to their home environments. They require less water, fewer fertilizers, and minimal pest control compared to many exotic species. That makes them a smart choice for homeowners who want beautiful, low-maintenance gardens that also support the environment.

Ecological benefits