Number of Insects in Native Garden vs. Number of Insects in Nonnative Garden

Attribute	Number of Insects in Native Garden	Number of Insects in Nonnative Garden
Diversity of insect species	Higher	Lower
Population density of insects	Varies	Varies
Impact on ecosystem	Positive	Negative
Resilience to pests	Higher	Lower

Introduction

When it comes to gardening, one important aspect to consider is the impact on local ecosystems. Native gardens are designed to support local wildlife, including insects, while nonnative gardens may not provide the same level of support. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the number of insects in a native garden versus a nonnative garden.

Diversity of Insects

Native gardens are known for their ability to attract a wide variety of insects, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as predators like ladybugs and lacewings. These insects play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by pollinating plants and controlling pest populations. In contrast, nonnative gardens may not support the same level of insect diversity, as many nonnative plants do not provide the necessary food and habitat for local insect species.

Abundance of Insects

In a native garden, the abundance of insects is often higher compared to a nonnative garden. This is because native plants have evolved alongside local insect species and provide the necessary resources for their survival. As a result, native gardens can be teeming with insect life, from tiny beetles to colorful butterflies. On the other hand, nonnative gardens may have lower insect abundance, as many nonnative plants do not offer the same level of support for local insect populations.

Role of Insects in the Ecosystem

Insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as pollinators, decomposers, and predators. In a native garden, insects help pollinate plants, break down organic matter, and control pest populations, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. In contrast, nonnative gardens may not provide the same level of ecosystem services, as the insect populations may be limited by the lack of suitable food and habitat.

Impact on Plant Health

The presence of insects in a garden can have a direct impact on the health of plants. In a native garden, insects like bees and butterflies help pollinate plants, leading to increased fruit and seed production. Additionally, predators like ladybugs and lacewings can help control pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. In a nonnative garden, the lack of insect diversity and abundance may result in reduced pollination and increased pest damage to plants.

Overall Biodiversity

Native gardens are known for their ability to support a wide range of plant and animal species, contributing to overall biodiversity. By attracting a diverse array of insects, native gardens create a healthy ecosystem that benefits birds, mammals, and other wildlife. In contrast, nonnative gardens may have lower overall biodiversity, as the lack of native plants and insects can limit the diversity of species that can thrive in the garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of insects in a native garden far surpasses that in a nonnative garden in terms of diversity, abundance, and overall impact on the ecosystem. Native gardens provide essential resources for local insect species, leading to a thriving insect population that benefits both plants and wildlife. By choosing to plant native species in your garden, you can create a vibrant ecosystem that supports a wide range of insect species and contributes to overall biodiversity.