Albemarle County and Central Virginia are noted for some of the most beautiful scenery in Virginia.  Many Charlottesville homes boast beautiful gardens and meticulous landscaping.  However, as we become more ecologically conscious we need to learn how we can create a beautiful home environment while saving our natural resources at the same time.

One way to preserve the local ecosystem is to landscape with indiginous Virginia plants.  There are several ecological benefits to using native species of trees, shrubs and flowers in your yard.  Since native species evolved in the local ecosystem they are adapted to the area’s climatic conditions and as a result are likely to use fewer resources to stay healthy.  Native plants are developed in the soil of the area so are less likely to need fertilizer and are more likely than alien species to require pesticides as they are probably resistent to the insects that are in the area.  In addition they will be more drought resistent than a plant that is native to a wetter climate.

For a list of plants that are native to the Piedmont Region of Virginia click here.