07/14/2026
We interviewed and toured Wild Natives, a Texas Native Plant Shop, located here in Lubbock, to learn how planting native plants in urban spaces is one of the easiest ways to increase biodiversity!
What are some of the easiest ways to increase backyard biodiversity? “Start by planting native! You don't have to rip out your whole yard. The easiest place to start is by replacing one thing at a time. Swap a thirsty ornamental plant for a native wildflower, let one corner of your yard grow with native grasses, or replace part of a water-hungry Bermuda lawn with native ground covers. Once established, native plants require little maintenance, no fertilizer, and minimal watering. Some native plants that thrive in West Texas include Little Bluestem, Blue Grama, Mealy Blue Sage, and Blackfoot Daisy.”
Why are native plants better for wildlife? “It comes down to thousands of years of co-evolution. Native insects, birds, and pollinators evolved alongside these plants. They recognize their scent, bloom time, and flower shape. While many non-native ornamentals may look beautiful to us, they often provide little value to native wildlife. Native plants can support 10–50 times more wildlife species than non-native ornamentals.”
How do native plants increase biodiversity? “When you plant a native species, you're not just adding a plant; you're supporting an entire web of life. Native plants feed insects, insects feed birds, and birds support predators higher up the food chain. In West Texas, a well-planned native garden can bloom from February through November, providing food and habitat throughout much of the year. As native plants become established, they naturally spread, creating a more diverse and resilient ecosystem over time.”
Wild Natives Plant Nursery
