Are native gardens suitable for urban spaces?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Native plants thrive in urban areas by helping to mitigate challenges that accompany urbanization. With their extensive root systems, they efficiently manage stormwater runoff in areas with more extensive paving. They help cool streets with natural transpiration. They provide much-needed refuge for wildlife in areas with little green space. You restore urban concrete landscapes into habitats.
Urban heat islands are greatly mitigated through native plant transpiration.Concrete and asphalt absorb heat, and cities can be 10°F hotter than their surrounding regions. My rooftop native plant garden lowered temperatures by 15°F during summer heat waves. This provides a natural system to cool the environment and does not require energy consumption.
Microclimate Creation
- Reduced surface temperatures through shading
- Humidity regulation via transpiration
- Wind buffer creation with native shrubs
- Noise reduction through dense plantings
Water Management
- 90% stormwater absorption in rain gardens
- Greywater filtration through native wetlands
- Reduced sewer overflow during heavy rains
- Natural purification of urban runoff
Wildlife Integration
- Native corridors connecting green spaces
- Vertical habitats on building facades
- Rooftop nesting sites for urban birds
- Pollinator highways along transit routes
Stormwater management is upended through the use of deep-rooted natives right within these confined spaces. They capture 90% of total rainfall compared to only 40% runoff from a traditional lawn. Overall, my native plant garden in the parking strip captures an astounding 200 gallons of stormwater annually. Notice how you are doing your part in preventing flooding of the surrounding streets and recharging groundwater.
Native plant species are adapted to grow in their respective challenging urban conditions. I have been able to grow drought-tolerant California natives in cracks in the sidewalk. Some species of sedum can flourish on green roofs with very little depth of soil substrate. You choose and select plants that have evolved to thrive in the adaptation challenges within the surrounding microclimate.
Begin your urban native garden by experimenting with plastic or clay containers filled with species that will thrive a in a container-friendly garden, such as milkweed or goldenrod. Use vertical spaces by selecting climbing native species. Learn about and engage in neighborhoods and community planting activities. Your work can create beautiful, resilient spaces that are transformative to city living.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Benefits of Native Plants
