Ornamental plants are more important than just looking nice and impressing guests and neighbours. Ornamental plants are often understood as purely aesthetic and unnecessary. They might also seen less important to healthy ecosystems than trees or food crops.
The truth is, our neighbourhoods are actually ecosystems that are important habitats for wildlife that is critical for our wellbeing. Flowers are a foraging opportunity for pollinators and these pollinators fertilize food crops. So if you have a vegetable garden in your backyard, or live close to a farm or orchard, it may be beneficial to plant good pollinating flowers on your property.
For example, those little yellow flowers on your tomato or cucumber plant will turn into hearty vegetables if they are pollinated by bumble bees. In fact, one out of every three mouthfuls of food we eat are dependent on pollinators.
Ornamental plants also contribute to a healthy balance between insects and birds. This balance is important because it reduces the potential risk of pests spreading through gardens.
So next time you’re admiring a flower, think about the reason why that flower is attractive – to entice insects that receive nectar from the flower while pollinating. Maybe your spectacular garden will also entice home buyers!
Photo Courtesy of Hans