National Wildlife Federation Highlights Top Gardening Trends for Garden for Wildlife Month

RESTON, VA - Home gardens are becoming more wildlife friendly, according to the National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program, which is celebrating Garden for Wildlife Month this May. Trends include more gardeners converting their lawn to native wildlife habitat and prioritizing native plants while intentionally seeking out varieties that benefit pollinators like native bees, birds and butterflies.

"Every year, we see gardening trends aimed at helping wildlife or the planet. said Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy at National Wildlife Federation. "This year, we continue to see people focusing on wildlife and the environment with a shift from monochromatic lawns and non-native plant species to a space that benefits biodiversity and the environment. Additionally, hobby and pro gardeners alike are taking steps to help wildlife and pollinators thrive by incorporating native plants and certifying their space as Certified Wildlife Habitat through the Federation."

These trends are supported by findings from a survey commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with the National Gardening Association. The report found:

• 12 percent of U.S. adults are converting parts of their lawn to a natural or wildflower landscape.
• 17 percent of U.S. adults are purchasing plants that are native to their region
• 28 percent of U.S. adults are purchasing plants that are beneficial for native bees, butterflies and birds.

The National Gardening Survey collected responses from 2,427 U.S. adults, representing the U.S. adult population estimated at 260,961,960 in 2023 by the U.S. Census. Full survey results will be published in May.

Converting Lawns to Wildlife Habitat

While lawns are synonymous with the American home, these landscapes are often comprised of non-native turf grass that consume around 9 billion gallons of water daily. They can also introduce a myriad of toxins into our ecosystems and offer scant refuge for local wildlife.

One trend is "No-Mow May", a relatively new, but popular trend encouraging those with lawn space to opt for low or no mowing practices throughout the month. It is not a one size fits all approach as U.S. growing zones vary significantly. While reducing the amount you mow can be a great first step, high grass can unintentionally promote the growth of invasive species that may outcompete native flora.

The National Wildlife Federation recommends joining the 12 percent of adults opting to replace their lawn with native species and manage remaining lawn intentionally.

Focus on Native Plants

Native plants offer important nectar and host plants for early spring pollinators during a critical season as we transition from winter. Native plants also increase biodiversity and contribute to soil health, carbon sequestration, and cleaner air. With 17 percent of adults prioritizing native plants and even more focusing on varieties that benefit pollinators, we'll see continued interest in incorporating these plants to gardens and an interest in taking actions to help wildlife.

Prioritizing Plants that Benefit Wildlife

While all plant species native to a particular region have an important part to play, plants like milkweed are critical for at-risk species like the monarch butterfly who rely on it as a host plant. Monarch larvae, or caterpillars, feed exclusively on milkweed leaves and without it the larva would not be able to develop into a butterfly. There are several dozen species of this wildflower native to North America so no matter where you live, at least one milkweed species is naturally found in your region.

Native plants also produce and support beneficial food sources like berries and insects that sustain a variety of bird species. Wild Birds Unlimited is National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat® Champion for Garden for Wildlife Month to spread the word and help reach 15,000 new habitat gardens in 2024.