Native & Invasive Species

Native Species

Native plants are traditionally found in a specific region and have not been recently introduced through horticultural activity. They've adapted to their climate and hardiness zone over thousands of years, making them relatively maintenance-free once established. These plants are vital for local ecosystems and, when utilized by homeowners, can create a beautiful, low-maintenance wildlife haven.

Benefits of native plant gardens

  • Low maintenance - once established, native plants thrive with relatively little care. In fact, over tending to them can, in some cases, lead to their demise.
  • Habitat for birds and other wildlife - certain native plants can attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies to your backyard.
  • Water savers - after initial installation, native plants often require very little water. This saves water, money and time.
  • Biodiverse - introduced species such as broom, ivy, holly (to name a few) take over non cultivated or disturbed areas and often hinder the growth of native plants thereby reducing the abundance of plant types in the affected area.
  • Aesthetically pleasing - native plants such as flowering red currant, bleeding hearts, vanilla leaf, camas, sword ferns and lilies are a beautiful addition to any yard.
  • Unique - native plant gardening is gaining popularity on Vancouver Island. Start the trend in your neighbourhood. And don't be scared to experiment - adding natives to your existing landscape can improve interest!

Where to get native plants

Cowichan Farm Hub

2431 Beverly St, Duncan. Phone: 250-597-8200

Dinter's Nursery

2205 Phipps Road #1, Duncan. Phone: 250-748-2023

Satin Flower Nurseries

741 Haliburton Rd, Victoria. Phone: 778-679-3459

Streamside Native Plants

7455 Island Hwy W, Bowser. Phone: 250-757-9999

Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping, which utilizes the planting of native plants, is a type of landscaping that aims to reduce or completely eliminate the need for watering. A properly xeriscaped yard can be lush and beautiful while saving you time and water. Xeriscaped yards are low-maintenance. Losing the lawn means less time mowing, watering and weeding.

Xeriscaping resources:

 

Invasive Species

Invasive Species are plants and animals that are not native to our local ecosystems. They are an ecological and economic threat, especially to a resource-based economy like British Columbia's. North Cowichan treats invasive species on a priority basis so the plants do not pose a hazard to our residents, pets, and local wildlife.