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Native Plants to Support Local Wildlife This Spring

Posted on by Bruce Martin
04
Apr

Celebrate Native Plant Month with Bru-Mar Gardens & Our Plant a Pollinator Program

Spring has sprung here in Zone 7b, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to plant with a purpose. At Bru-Mar Gardens, we believe every garden can make a difference. This April—Native Plant Month—we’re encouraging all gardeners to embrace native plants that support the insects, birds, and amphibians that call Maryland home.

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a few containers on your patio, you can be part of the solution by planting native species that offer food, shelter, and nesting space to local wildlife. And with our Plant a Pollinator program in full swing, it’s easier than ever to get started!

🐝 Why Native Plants Matter

Native plants are the backbone of a healthy local ecosystem. Unlike non-native or ornamental varieties, native species have co-evolved with our local wildlife over thousands of years. That means they’re uniquely equipped to provide:

  • Nectar and pollen for early-emerging bees and butterflies

  • Shelter and food for frogs, toads, and beneficial insects

  • Berries and seeds for returning migratory birds

Plus, native plants are naturally adapted to our local climate and soil conditions—so they require less water, fertilizer, and fuss once established. That’s a win-win for gardeners and the environment.

🌼 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants to Try This Spring

Ready to make your garden a spring sanctuary? Here are a few of our favorite native picks available now at Bru-Mar Gardens:

1. Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea)

One of the first bloomers of the season, this sun-loving perennial is a host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars and a favorite of early bees.

2. Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

A fragrant groundcover with soft blue blooms, it thrives in part shade and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

3. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Perfect for shady spots, foamflower has frothy white blooms that feed native bees and provide cover for small amphibians.

4. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Hummingbirds love its nodding red-and-yellow blooms! This tough plant does well in both sun and part shade.

5. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

A summer bloomer with vibrant red spikes that hummingbirds can’t resist. Grows well in moist soil—perfect near ponds or rain gardens.

Visit us in-store to browse our American Beauties Native Plants selection and ask our staff for tips on creating pollinator-friendly planting combinations.

🌱 Join the Plant a Pollinator Program

Our Plant a Pollinator program is designed to make it simple (and fun!) to support local pollinators. When you shop this spring, look for signs and staff picks labeled with our Plant a Pollinator symbol. These plants are chosen specifically to:

  • Provide early-season forage for native bees and butterflies

  • Offer host plants for caterpillars and shelter for insects

  • Help you build beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden spaces

📲 Download our free Bru-Mar Gardens App to see our top picks, get exclusive app-only deals, and track your pollinator garden progress all season long! Use promo code WELCOME5 in the app for $5 OFF your first $25+ purchase: https://apjl.app/brumar

🦋 Celebrate Native Plant Month with Us

April is National Native Plant Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by planting a few of these local heroes in your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned native plant lover or just getting started, we’re here to help you choose the right plants and set your garden up for success.

Let’s grow a greener, more sustainable Maryland—one native plant at a time.