April is Officially Native Plant Month in Tennessee!

April is Officially Native Plant Month in Tennessee

‍

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation championed by State Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, permanently designating the month of April as “Tennessee Native Plant Month,” passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. House Bill 1738 has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, marking what will be celebrated in April as the state’s first official acknowledgement of what will be recognized annually as Tennessee Native Plant Month.

‍

The legislation highlights the environmental and economic importance of native plant species and encourages Tennesseans to incorporate them into landscapes, gardens and public spaces.

‍

“Tennessee’s natural beauty is part of who we are, and native plants play a critical role in protecting that heritage,” said Vital. “By establishing Tennessee Native Plant Month, I hope this legislation raises conservation awareness, supports local agriculture and horticulture industries and encourages more Tennesseans to adopt sustainable landscaping practices. Native plants such as the Tulip Poplar, Iris and Bee Balm support pollinators, birds and wildlife, conserve water and thrive in our climate. Tennessee is home to a wide array of greenery, and believe there's a native plant every Tennessean can plant to help preserve the landscapes that make our state unique.”

‍
House Bill 1738 also recognizes the role of Tennessee’s plant industry in economic development. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture reports  the state’s horticulture industry supports over 13,000 jobs and contributes $965 million annually to Tennessee’s economy. Tennessee is also home to dozens of garden clubs and nursery operations that promote environmental stewardship and beautification efforts across communities. According to Tennessee State Parks, native plants are cost-effective, require less maintenance, pesticides and fertilizer, improve soil health and restore regional landscapes.

‍

Thrive Regional Partnership supported this advocacy efforts alongside the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, Tennessee Native Plant Society , Keep TN Beautiful, Lyndhurst Foundation, The Land Trust for Tennessee, Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee Plant Conservation Alliance, Tennessee Invasive Plant Council, Weed Wrangle, Tennessee Naturalist Program, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, Tennessee Environmental Council, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, TennGreen, Tennessee Chapter of Wild Ones, and The Garden Club of America Tennessee Clubs.

‍

There’s no better time to rethink how we grow, design, and care for the spaces around us.  Through the Thriving Gardens initiative, residents, businesses, and communities across the greater Chattanooga region can restore landscapes and create more vibrant places where we live, work, and play.