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[quote=Anonymous]OP, you have set up a few false constructs: 1) that is just about bees (it isn't); 2) that its about "more" beautiful plants (it isn't, and of course eye of the beholder and all), and 3) that planting native plants means never using any non-natives.

None of that is on point.

While some naturalists and environmentalists disagree, most find that it is OK to use a few non-native plants as long as they are not invasive or harmful. It is vital that we all incorporate natives too though. Know that if you choose plants that aren't right for your local climate (native or not), it will take more time and money and probably chemicals to make them thrive where they don't belong (so that is wasteful and not great for the environment overall), but if you choose even a non-native plant that is happy with your climate (e.g., azaleas and hydrangeas), that won't be an issue.

The other point about non natives is that they provide less support for the native environment, which is why you should choose them sparingly and incorporate natives around them. When you see shrubs with berries that birds don't eat -- you may see a great ornamental; I see a problem (also some of the non-native berries are toxic to our wildlife - e.g. nandina). When you see native butterflies flocking to a non-native plant, you might think that is a great thing, but an entomologist will tell you that the attractive bush is distracting the butterfly from what it needs to be doing to ensure its offspring survive (see articles on buddelia).

The other thing to know is that for most non-native plants that you love, there are often native versions that are just as great (we have native azaleas and native hydrangeas), or at least hybrids that are less harmful (there is a variety of nandina that does not produce the toxic berries). So my philosophy is that if you choose a non-native to incorporate among your native plants, do so thoughtfully and with all your research done to make sure you are not a part of the problem.[/quote]

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