A series of infographics developed by the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) highlights the importance of landscape plants in conserving and protecting the environment. PDFs of each infographic are available for download at the bottom of this page.
“These five infographics help spotlight relevant facts from over 30 sources. The infographics point to ways that #PlantsDoThat to enhance pollinator conservation, protect our water resources, defend against wildfires, maintain soil health and generally improve our quality of life,” according to Dr. Gail Langellotto.
NICH data shows that plants benefit the environment in many ways:
- Having plants on the soil surface prevents erosion, soil crusting, compaction and reduces weeds.
- Native trees in residential yards help sustain native bird and wildlife populations in metropolitan areas.
- Well-maintained, healthy lawns help prevent the spread of fire and can be used in creating a defensible space around homes.
- Plants help filter and reduce concentrations of nutrients, heavy metals, pathogens and other pollutants from stormwater runoff.
- Gardens often contain more abundant and diverse bee communities, compared to nearby natural or agricultural areas.
The infographics, developed by the NICH Environmental Committee under Dr. Gail Langellotto’s leadership, use data gathered from research publications, extension publications, government organization outputs, and resource websites. Each infographic was developed by committee members specializing within the topic area and familiar with the research that most impacts consumers.
Please use these infographics to further your business and educational efforts. Use the hashtag #PlantsDoThat when posting them online.
“These are facts that many people may intuitively know but by putting the information in a succinct, visual format that ties the information together, it opens the opportunity for action. These infographics could not be more appropriately timed as a growing concern for our environment has impacted all facets of consumer life,” says Lauren Garcia Chance, NICH Environmental Committee chair.
“I hope to see these infographics in my local resale nursery, used in extension packets, handed out at landscape expos or used by industry members to further their business and outreach efforts,” said Garcia Chance.
The National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) is a consortium of industry leaders who are promoting the benefits and value of horticulture. NICH brings together academia, government, industry, and nonprofits to cultivate the growth and development of a healthy world through landscapes, gardens and plants – indoors and out. The Mission of the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture is to grow a healthy world through the art, science and business of plants, gardens and landscapes.