Why You Should Plant Native Plants in Your Central Ohio Garden: The Benefits for You and the Environment

If you’re a gardener in Central Ohio, you might already know how rewarding it is to cultivate a beautiful garden that thrives in our unique climate. But have you ever considered planting native plants in your garden? Native plants offer many benefits—not just for your landscape but also for local wildlife and the environment as a whole. At Timbuk Farms in Granville, Ohio, we’re passionate about helping our community of gardeners embrace the beauty and practicality of native plants, which is why we grow many of them right here at our farm.

Before we dive into some of our favorite native plants and their benefits, let’s first take a look at what exactly a native plant is and why they’re so valuable to Central Ohio gardens.

What Are Native Plants?

Native plants are species that occur naturally in a specific region, having adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife over thousands of years. In Central Ohio, native plants have evolved to thrive in our specific weather patterns and soil conditions, making them hardy, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant once established. By planting native species, you’re choosing plants that are well-suited to your garden's environment and will require fewer resources (like water, fertilizers, and pesticides) to grow successfully.

Native plants are also crucial to the local ecosystem, supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife that have evolved alongside these plants. By incorporating more native species into your garden, you’re not only creating a beautiful landscape but also contributing to the health of Ohio’s natural environment.

Timbuk Farms' Four Favorite Native Plants

At Timbuk Farms, we’re proud to offer a variety of native plants that will thrive in your Central Ohio garden. Here are four of our favorites:

Asclepias Hello Yellow (Pleurisy Root)

1. Asclepias Hello Yellow (Pleurisy Root) – This is a stunning variety of Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), a native Ohio perennial that’s known for its vibrant yellow blooms and its ability to attract pollinators, especially monarch butterflies. Butterfly Milkweed is a vital plant for the monarch butterfly’s lifecycle, providing a food source for both caterpillars and adult butterflies. Its deep roots also help prevent soil erosion, making it a great choice for slopes or areas with sandy or rocky soil.

2. Liatris spicata (Blazing Stars) – Another Ohio native, Liatris spicata is a tall, showy perennial that produces spikes of purple flowers in mid-to-late summer. This plant is a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and its long-lasting blooms add vertical interest to any garden. It’s also drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils, making it a perfect low-maintenance option for Central Ohio gardeners.

3. Rudbeckia Goldsturm (Black-Eyed Susan) – Rudbeckia species, such as Rudbeckia hirta, are native to Ohio and are among the most popular and recognizable native plants. Rudbeckia Goldsturm offers cheerful yellow blooms with dark centers that bloom from mid-summer through fall. Not only are they great for attracting pollinators, but they also provide seeds for birds in the fall and winter. These plants are easy to grow and incredibly hardy, making them a staple for any native plant garden.

4. Heliopsis Summer Sun (False Sunflower) – Heliopsis helianthoides is a native perennial that looks like a sunflower but blooms longer, often well into the fall. It’s a great plant for adding late-season color to your garden, and its bright yellow flowers are a favorite of pollinators. Heliopsis is tough, drought-tolerant, and adaptable to a variety of soil types, making it a reliable choice for Central Ohio gardeners looking to add long-lasting blooms to their landscape.

The Benefits of Planting Native Plants

So, why should you consider planting native plants like these in your garden? Here are just a few reasons:

1. Low Maintenance: Native plants are naturally adapted to Ohio’s soil and climate, which means they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native species. Once established, many native plants can thrive on rainfall alone, making them more drought-tolerant and reducing the need for constant upkeep.

2. Support for Pollinators: Native plants are vital to the survival of Ohio’s native pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds. By planting species like Asclepias Hello Yellow and Liatris spicata, you’ll be providing essential food and habitat for these pollinators, helping to support biodiversity and the health of your local ecosystem.

3. Erosion Control: Many native plants, like Butterfly Milkweed, have deep root systems that help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This makes them an excellent choice for areas prone to runoff or where you need to establish ground cover on slopes or hillsides.

4. Resilience to Pests and Disease: Because native plants have evolved alongside Ohio’s native pests, they’re often more resistant to damage from insects and diseases than non-native species. This means you’ll spend less time and money dealing with pest problems, and your plants will remain healthy and strong throughout the growing season.

5. Wildlife Habitat: In addition to supporting pollinators, native plants provide food and shelter for other wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects. By creating a garden filled with native species, you’re helping to sustain the local wildlife that depends on these plants for survival.

Visit Timbuk Farms Garden Center for All Your Native Plant Needs

At Timbuk Farms in Granville, Ohio, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of native plants that are perfect for your Central Ohio garden. Whether you’re looking to create a pollinator-friendly landscape or simply want to reduce the maintenance required in your garden, we have the native plants that will help you achieve your goals.

Our garden center is open until late October, so it’s the perfect time to stop by and pick up some of our favorite native plants, including Asclepias Hello Yellow, Liatris spicata, Rudbeckia Goldsturm, and Heliopsis Summer Sun. Every plant we sell is grown right here in Granville, ensuring that they’re well-adapted to the local climate and ready to thrive in your garden.

Why Timbuk Farms?

At Timbuk Farms, we’re more than just a garden center—we’re a family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality plants and personalized service to every customer. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you choose the right plants for your garden and offer tips on how to care for them. Plus, since all of our plants are grown on-site, you can be sure you’re getting the healthiest, highest-quality plants available in Central Ohio.

By choosing to plant native species in your garden, you’re not only creating a beautiful landscape but also supporting the environment and local wildlife. So why wait? Stop by Timbuk Farms today to discover our selection of native plants and get started on creating a garden that will thrive for years to come. We look forward to seeing you at our garden center in Granville, Ohio, open until late October!