In a world where the environment faces increasing challenges like climate change, habitat loss, and declining biodiversity, restoring our natural landscapes has become a vital priority. We believe that using native plants is one of the most impactful ways to support local ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and create sustainable, thriving habitats for future generations.
By making thoughtful choices in our gardens and communities, we can reduce resource consumption, conserve water, and provide critical habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, NPI is here to guide you in creating spaces that are both beautiful and ecologically responsible. Learn more about us!
The natural Food Web is built on the presence of native plants. Many Insects depend on native plants as food sources and cannot thrive without them. 80-90% of our landscapes are composed of non-native plants which insects are unable to use. In turn, Insects are a major food sources for many other forms of wildlife, birds and many mammals…..so without insects, the food web deteriorates.
The monoculture created by turf grass and foreign plants that make up most of our gardens takes the place of plant species that would normally be there. Furthermore, the maintenance of these types of landscapes often includes chemical pesticides and herbicides designed to eliminate any other plants that try to grow and any insects that may feed there. We have many beautiful native plants that can provide greater interest and diversity in our gardens and surroundings while enhancing Biodiversity all around.
Because native plants evolved here in our climate and soils, they are adapted to our weather extremes and perform better than plants from somewhere else. Many native plants can handle the wet soils, heavy rainfall and hot temperatures that are common here. They also have developed defenses against disease and insect pressures that exotic plants do not, therefore, they tend to require less spraying, less fertilizing and less fussing over in general.
Ready to create your own native garden but not sure where to begin? Explore our comprehensive Resources section for expert guides, plant recommendations, and tips tailored to our unique region to help you get started.
A collection of our favorite sources.
Read MoreWhether you’re donating, volunteering, or joining a workshop, the Native Plant Initiative offers many ways to get involved. Connect with like-minded gardeners and help restore local ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and make a lasting impact on our environment. Every contribution counts!
Joining NPI connects you with fellow gardeners, enhances your knowledge of native plants, and supports our mission to raise awareness, increase access, and preserve native plant communities for a healthier planet.
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Donating to NPI provides extra funds for special projects like neighborhood plant giveaways, printing handouts for NPI talks at local organization meetings, and creating booths for events like garden shows. Be a native plant hero: you can make a difference with your donation! (LINK TO https://native-plant-initiative-of-greater-new-orleans.square.site/ )
This project will serve as a catalyst for positive environmental change, inspiring communities to embrace sustainable practices and work towards a brighter and greener future for generations to come.
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One of NPI's showplace gardens got a seasonal spruce-up in October thanks to a hands-on volunteer team led by local garden consultants Whimscapes
If you'd like to run for an office or need more information, email NPI.