04/02/2026
It may not feel like spring is even here for us in NEW, but it's here!! Wanted to share two things if you are looking to start a low maintenance garden or add one to your existing garden adding native plants. Personally this type of gardens are a pure therapy.
1. Check this quick read of 70/30 gardening rule with native and ornamental plants by on Instagram. Yes, quick 2 minutes read. boom!
2. If you are a Green Bay resident, you can WIN one FREE native plant kit! What!? Si papi, free gratis! you can be numero 1 of 300. All you have to do is sign up through the city of Green Bay web page https://www.greenbaywi.gov/1281/Conservation-Green Bay Conservation Corps
By growinup_torres
In gardening, the 70/30 rule is an ecological guideline suggesting that at least 70% of your landscape should consist of native plants. The remaining 30% can be reserved for non-invasive, non-native ornamentals, edibles, or "experimental" species.
Why the 70% Matters
The Tipping Point for Wildlife: Coined by entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy, this rule is based on research showing that when native plant biomass drops below 70%, local bird populations—specifically Carolina chickadees—cannot find enough insects to successfully raise their young.
Essential Food Webs: Over 90% of plant-eating insects are "specialists" that can only eat the specific native plants they co-evolved with. Without those natives, the insect population crashes, leaving birds and other wildlife without a primary food source.
Support for Pollinators: Many native bees are pollen specialists that depend on specific native flora to feed their offspring.
Benefits of Using Native Plants
Climate Resilience: Natives are already adapted to your local soil and weather, making them naturally more drought-tolerant and hardy.
Lower Maintenance: Because they thrive naturally, they typically require less water, no fertilizer, and fewer pesticides than non-native lawns and ornamentals.
Soil and Water Health: Deep-rooted native plants help prevent erosion, improve soil organic matter, and manage stormwater runoff better than shallow-rooted turf grass.
Natural Beauty & Structure: Native grasses and shrubs provide year-round visual interest and structural "bones" for your garden that remain attractive even through winter.
