If you're still debating the type of plants to add to your garden this year, one expert is offering his two cents: don't stray too far from home. As in, buy plants that are local to the environment you live in. They're chances of survival increase if they are native to the area, plus they're better for the environment.

John Sibley, who owns the All Native Garden Center in Florida, says that native plants require less chemical intervention.

"They don't require a lot of maintenance, and no chemicals, they're healthier especially for people who have pets and children."

"It's estimated that about 60% of the chemicals found in our drinking water, the source is from urban landscape, over use...abuse of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides."

That's not the only reason to consider native plants, according to Sibley. They are also more likely to survive hurricanes and drought, and provide natural habitat for wildlife.

Next time you head to your local garden center or nursery, be sure to ask the professionals there for recommendations of plants that are native to your area and be sure to include some of those this year.

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