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Creating a school garden is a fantastic way to educate students about local ecosystems and promote environmental stewardship. Incorporating native plants into your garden not only supports local wildlife but also requires less maintenance and water. Here are the top 10 native plants to consider for your school garden.
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
The Purple Coneflower is a vibrant perennial that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its daisy-like flowers bloom from summer to fall, providing food for wildlife and adding color to your garden.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
This cheerful yellow flower is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. It blooms from summer to fall and is a favorite among pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting local biodiversity.
3. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly Milkweed is essential for monarch butterfly larvae and attracts adult butterflies. Its bright orange flowers bloom in summer and thrive in well-drained soils.
4. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
This aromatic plant produces purple flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It also has medicinal uses and adds a pleasant fragrance to your garden.
5. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
A native grass that provides habitat for birds and insects. Its striking blue-green foliage turns reddish in fall, offering seasonal interest and erosion control.
6. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
This late-blooming perennial provides nectar for pollinators late into the season. Its purple flowers add beauty and support biodiversity in your garden.
7. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod is often mistaken for ragweed but is a valuable plant for pollinators. It blooms in late summer and fall with bright yellow flowers, supporting bees and butterflies.
8. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
This small tree produces stunning pink flowers in early spring before its leaves emerge. It provides habitat and food for various birds and insects.
9. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
A versatile shrub or small tree that blooms in spring with white flowers and produces edible berries. It attracts birds and pollinators, making it a great addition to your garden.
10. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
This tall grass provides cover for wildlife and adds movement to the landscape. Its flowers are attractive to butterflies and it is highly adaptable to various soil types.