Talking To Neighbors About Native Plants
Turn Curiosity into Meaningful Conversations
Changing how we garden and care for our yards can spark curiosity and raise questions from neighbors.
These conversations can feel personal, so it's important to recognize that they're opportunities to connect and share joy of this movement with others. This interaction might be their first time hearing about native plants.
You don’t need to be a scientist or have all the answers. Just share why you care about biodiversity and how native plants help support it. Your passion alone can open minds and plant seeds!
Changing how we garden and care for our yards can spark curiosity and raise questions from neighbors.
These conversations can feel personal, so it's important to recognize that they're opportunities to connect and share joy of this movement with others. This interaction might be their first time hearing about native plants.
You don’t need to be a scientist or have all the answers. Just share why you care about biodiversity and how native plants help support it. Your passion alone can open minds and plant seeds!
How to Answer Common Questions from Your Neighbor
This is a great moment to share your enthusiasm for native plants! Think of this like a conversation, not a lecture. You can say something like:
“I’m planting native plants to support pollinators and birds. It’s been fun to see what shows up. Want to check out this little bee I just saw?”
Curiosity is contagious. Let your excitement be the invitation.
Start with shared concerns. No one likes mosquito bites! Then gently steer toward solutions that protect biodiversity.
“Thanks for offering!” I’m actually trying to support more natural mosquito predators like dragonflies, birds, and bats, so I avoid spraying. Have you tried mosquito dunks instead”
The goal is to open a door, not shut one.
First, take a deep breath. This can feel personal! Humor and calm curiosity go a long way.
“I get that it looks different than many yards. I’m actually trying something new to support wildlife. A lot of insects and birds rely on leaf litter, stems, and native plants to survive. It’s kind of like a hotel for bugs! I’m creating a habitat in my yard that is welcoming to them.”
Lighthearted honesty helps people see things in a new way.
Respect their frustration, then shift toward understanding.
“I’m sorry that’s been a bother. I’ve started leaving more leaves for the insects that rely on them, but I can make sure they’re not blowing your way.”
It’s okay to set boundaries and find compromises.
This is your opening! Smile and keep it simple.
“It means I’m trying to make space for nature right here. A lot of bugs, birds, and plants are disappearing, and planting native is one way to help. It’s small, but every yard matters.”
You don’t need to have all of the science for this first conversation, your why is enough!
Acknowledging their concern first builds trust.
“I totally get that, ticks are a big worry. I’m trying to keep things a bit more natural for wildlife, but I’m happy to look at our property line to make sure it isn’t spilling into your space. I’d also love to send you an article comparing native plants to lawns for the presence of ticks if you are interested.”
This is a perfect opportunity to connect.
“Me too! There are so many beautiful native flowers. Have you seen purple cornflower or wild bergamot? Native doesn’t mean boring.”
You can substitute for common native flowers in your area, or better yet, flowers in your yard that you can show them!
Assume good intentions.
“Thanks for offering, but I’ve actually been cutting back on chemicals to protect pollinators. Even the “safe” stuff can really hurt bees and butterflies.”
People usually don’t want to cause harm, they just haven’t thought about it that way before.
Celebrate their interest!
“I’m so glad you asked! It’s easier than it looks, and you can even start with a pot on a porch. I’ve got a few resources I love. Want me to send you something?”
Think of yourself as a neighbor guide, not an expert that starts listing facts. If you have local resources you like, this is a great time to share them. We also recommend directing them to the HNP website!
We’d love to hear from you!
What are your neighbors asking? How did you respond?
Use the form below to share the questions you've received and answers you've given; or submit the questions you still need help with.
Our science lead, Krista De Cooke, will add common Q&As to this growing guide.
We’d love to hear from you!
What are your neighbors asking? How did you respond?
Use the form below to share the questions you've received and answers you've given; or submit the questions you still need help with.
Our science lead, Krista De Cooke, will add common Q&As to this growing guide.
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