The Friends plant and maintain the flower beds at Willow Point, the park’s southernmost section. We decided to join the growing movement to use native plants in Friends Meadow. Why? Native plants thrive in the local climate and soil conditions where they naturally occur. They provide nectar, pollen and seeds that feed butterflies, insects, birds and other animals. In contrast, most alien ornamentals provide neither food nor shelter for animals, and often require considerable effort to flourish.