Episode Details

In this episode of The Backyard Naturalists, Debbie Foster and Laurie Horne celebrate spring planting season with a practical conversation about choosing plants that support wildlife and strengthen local ecosystems. Using the idea of "Plant This, Not That," they compare native plants that thrive in the Carolinas with invasive or problematic plants that can outcompete native species, spread aggressively, or reduce habitat value. The discussion also highlights Constructive Plant Rescue, a local nonprofit working to save native plants from construction sites and give them a second life in home landscapes.

Debbie and Laurie walk through helpful plant swaps by category, including vines, groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, trees, and grasses. From coral honeysuckle, wild ginger, oakleaf hydrangea, native dogwoods, oaks, and muhly grass to plants best avoided — like Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, butterfly bush, Chinese privet, Bradford pear, crape myrtle, monkey grass, and pampas grass — this episode offers approachable guidance for anyone hoping to make more environmentally friendly planting choices. They also remind listeners to research what is native or invasive in their own region, consider sun exposure and soil type, and match each plant to the goals of their yard, garden, balcony, or habitat space.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why native plants are better adapted to local soil, rainfall, and temperatures
• How invasive plants can outcompete native plants and reduce habitat value
• What Constructive Plant Rescue does to save native plants from development sites
• Native vine options like Carolina jessamine and coral honeysuckle
• Better groundcover choices, including wild ginger, bloodroot, green and gold, native phlox, and dwarf crested iris
• Native perennial, shrub, tree, and grass options for wildlife-friendly landscapes
• Why plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, butterfly bush, Bradford pear, Chinese wisteria, monkey grass, and pampas grass can become problems
• How oaks support hundreds of insects, butterflies, and moths
• Why it matters to check plant names carefully before buying
• How to evaluate sun, soil, moisture, and planting goals before choosing new plants