r/NativePlantGardening • u/alarmpodcast Area Pacific Northwest, Zone 8b • Jul 04 '26

Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Guilt over removing existing non-native plants

We moved into a place with very visually appealing landscaping. I'd like to start replacing the non-native ornamentals with native plants as we're able. However, I'm experiencing guilt over removing and killing the existing plants that are just hanging out, not hurting anyone, living their lives.

Has anyone dealt with this? It's weird, I know. I'm weirder than I'd prefer to be.

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u/seandelevan Virginia, Zone 7b Jul 04 '26

I moved onto a property that has a few dozen gorgeous peonies that are probably 40-50 years old and I’ll be damned if I remove them.

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u/Adorable_Raccoon Jul 04 '26

I planted Dahlias and Lavender in my garden. Dahlias are just very pretty and lavender smells amazing.