Natural Landscaping

Natural landscaping, also called native gardening, is the use of plants, including trees, shrubs, groundcover, and grass which are indigenous to the geographical area in which the garden is located, as well as rocks and boulders in place of groomed lawns and planned planting beds to blend residential or commercial property into the natural surroundings of the particular area.  The art of native gardening is a growing movement within the gardening community, and for many good reasons.  Native plants suit today’s interest in “low-maintenance” gardening and landscaping, with many species vigorous and hardy and able to survive winter cold and summer heat.

Using native plants in your garden will save you time, and energy.  A plant that is indigent to your area is likely to be well-adapted to the type of soil in your yard.  They will be more resistant to the local parasites and are used to the climate and therefore should be a more hardy addition than your garden shop imports and transplants in times of drought, requiring less watering.

There is good news for those with troublesome garden problems as well.  In theory, natural landscaping is already adapted to the climate, geography and hydrology and should require no pesticides, fertilizers and watering to maintain once established, given that native plants have adapted and evolved to your local conditions over thousands of years.  If your location is prone to bouts of extreme heat, dry summers or even a shorter growing season, they are the plants that will grow and flourish.

Another compelling reason for native gardening is the preservation of the local ecological balance.  With the loss of our native plant populations we also lose the habitats of much of our wildlife.  Native plants provide a natural habitat for many species of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.  By providing an oasis of native plants along with the cultured garden hybrids, we invite birds, butterflies and other wildlife into our yards and allow them a place to thrive.  By carefully choosing our plants, we can encourage some of these visitors to the garden!

Our modern housing developments have replaced native habitats with houses and vast lawns.  While we can’t stop development, gardeners can keep wild areas and green spaces filled with native species on their lots and in their communities.  In many areas, there are clubs or local groups made up of gardeners interested in growing plants local to their area, state or country.  They can be a great way to find out about and buy or swap local native plants.