Native landscape design how to#

Plant spring-flowering natives throughout the garden, but take care to keep them toward the middle or further towards the back. There are many plants to choose from when designing native gardens. However, if you select plants carefully, there will always be something in bloom. This additional interest draws attention to the area, inviting others into the garden for a closer look, especially during non-blooming periods. While flowers make the garden intense with color, the foliage can provide impressive contrast and texture too. When creating natural gardens, try not to overlook the plant’s leaves when choosing native garden plants. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area surrounded by woods, then a woodland garden will look right at home. For additional interest, include a focal point of some kind. Creating a native garden with seasonal interest, from spring through winter, requires careful planning and placement of long-lasting bloomers and a variety of foliage plants. Native plants flourish in their natural environment and complement the surrounding landscape of your home. This not only gives you an idea of the types of plants that thrive in your particular location but also makes it easier as you begin gardening with native plants and adding them to your design.

Native landscape design how to#

How to Design a Native GardenĪlways become familiar with the types of native garden plants that may already be growing on your property. Keep reading for tips on designing native gardens. It doesn’t take a genius to design a natural garden however, some planning beforehand might be wise. Best of all, a natural garden can easily transform into a garden for all seasons. This type of garden not only incorporates native trees and shrubs, but wildflowers and native grasses as well. Native plants that could be used in design:ĭesign done by landscape designer, Kendra Bretschneider, at Great Plains Nursery.One of my favorite garden designs is the native garden. That is what your landscape is supposed to provide: a place to retreat, relax, and unwind. It makes you stop to look to see what is there and enjoy the outdoors. Also, you can conserve more water and be more sustainable.ĭesigning with this concept adds a sense of interest and wonder to your landscape. But after a couple years, the weed numbers start to decline and the plants you planted will start to establish their root system and thrive. In the initial start of the process you will have to control the weeds by mulching and the occasional spot spraying.

Not to mention, tons of beneficial insects and wildlife, such as butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, song birds, and others.Īnother benefit to this concept is the reduction of weeds. By using this concept, you will have much more interest and depth in your landscape. While in large areas, trees and shrubs are great to use. For small spaces, this is great to do with perennials and grasses. It is great to add the same sweep in different areas to have continuity throughout your landscape. Sweeping means, you extend these masses out and mix them with other masses. This means you use more than one plant in an area, preferably three or more plants in one spot.

The way to design with natives is simple: plant in masses and sweeps. Nebraska has a wide selection of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials so why not utilize them in our landscapes?

Here at Great Plains Nursery, we absolutely LOVE the native look when it comes to designing a landscape. Photo credit to the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Fireworks Trail.