Finished Reading

I finished reading Douglas W. Tallamy's Bringing Nature Home. I really enjoyed it, and like any good book, I didn't quite want it to end. I found it informative, and now I'm more convinced than ever that planting natives is vital...not just for the beauty of the plants (and animals they attract), but also, because, without them, higher organisms that we prize cannot survive.

Aside from providing berries and seeds for birds, native plants support a plethora of insects these birds need to feed their nestlings. By planting host plants for native butterflies, we are also providing one of the most sought after foods birds tend to feed their young--caterpillars.

I was thrilled to read that many of the trees and shrubs I already have and those I just added are great host plants for many insects which support higher forms of life. Many others that I plan to add are also listed as some of the best providers. Although on some level, I understood that my love of native trees, shrubs, flower, grasses, and the like were important to the environment, this book painted a clear picture of just how important they are...and why. Recommended reading for anyone interested in birds and butterflies even if they have yet to become interested in native plants.