Spring gardening: Consider environmental benefits of these native plants

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — If you're looking for some inspiration for your summer garden or other planting projects, consider growing native species from right here in Pa.

Many native plants can also be used to create a pollinator garden and help different species of butterflies and bees.

Native plants include ferns, grasses, wildflowers, trees, shrubs and more. There are roughly 2,100 native plants in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DNCR).

Native plants offer many advantages, according to the DCNR Including:

• Well adapted to local climate and conditions
• Provide seeds and insects for multiple species of birds
• Provide a food source for local pollinators
• Generally low maintenance
• Helping to maintain native biodiversity

Non-native plants tend to support fewer species ...