Ways to Use Native Plants in the Landscape
"A thing is right if it tends to preserve the beauty, integrity and
stability of the biotic community; it is wrong when it tends otherwise."
~Aldo
Leopold,
"The Land Ethic" A Sand County Almanac
Native plants are a good choice for landscaping whether you have one-fourth
acre in the city, four acres at the edge of town or 40 acres in the country.
Increasing environmental awareness, a desire to connect with nature on a
personal level and limited time to devote to home landscape and land management
projects are reason to turn to natural landscapes for inspiration. A close
look at the plants and patterns occurring in our awesome prairies, majestic
forests, sun baked glades, shimmering savannas and shifting wetlands provide
excellent landscape models.
There are many benefits associated with a well-planned, diverse native landscape. Unfortunately, we often simplify our natural environment by planting a limited number of plant species, and too often, selecting non-natives. A diverse landscape with many naturally occurring plant species supports abundant animal life, reduces maintenance and offers year 'round interest. Such plantings are also less vulnerable to destructive insects and diseases and seldom need additional inputs such as fertilizer or chemical pesticides.
- A: buffalo grass lawn
- B: grass and wildflower meadow
- C: foundation plantings using small, indigenous flowering shrubs and native perennials
- D: pond and bog for wetland plants
- E: woodland including nut trees
- F: hedgerow and thicket with native shrubs and small trees that produce barriers and provide cover
Natives can be used:
- Massed together within defined garden borders
- In traditional gardens with non-native plants
- In foundation plantings
- As a focal point in the landscape
- In containers
- In transition zones between lawn and areas farther from the house
- To improve wildlife habitat
- In shrub rows and for windbreaks
- In wet areas such as water gardens, bogs and ponds
- In prone to erosion areas
- Anywhere you would consider using non-native plants!
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