Most of the latest haul from the Butterfly Project NYC’s Fall Native Plant Share is settling into containers on Denton Pl and 1st St now. Their roots will have a week or two to get established before the cold season starts. Why are native plants important? Natives sustain local wildlife, they’re heritage plants that have developed over thousands of years to thrive here, and they are less work for gardeners. Once mature, these plants are often drought tolerant, complement other native plantings, and combat weeds better than non-natives.The goal of the pollinator-friendly mix of non-edible plants is to provide what butterflies and other pollinators need to help us grow food: flowers blooming in spring, summer and fall.