|
 |
|
|
| Landscaping with Native Plants |
|
Have you ever considered native plant landscaping? Besides having a home landscape that blends into the natural surroundings, landscaping with native plants also has many environmental and economical benefits that make it very worth while.
Using native plant landscaping usually means returning things to their natural state, but the phrase native landscaping can mean different things to different people. To some gardeners, this might mean simply using plant life from the native area where you live. To others, it will mean only using wildlife vegetation, flowers and grasses to produce the most natural effect. |
|
Natural landscaping defined are native plants, grasses, trees, flowers, or shrubs indigenous to an area or specific geographical region prior to any manmade settlements. But... however you decide to interpret landscaping with native plants, keep in mind that it will change the dynamic of your landscape and it will definitely take a little time and patience to accomplish this task.
Getting Started with Native Plants
When beginning a native plant project, you need to take into consideration the elements you will be working with. This includes the amount of space you plan to landscape and whether the location is sunny, partially covered or shady. You will also need to consider the type of weather you receive in the area, as well as the type of soil that naturally accompanies the land.
Once you have considered these conditions, you can then begin to research the type of wildlife that is best suited for your area. Even if you have an eye for a beautiful wildflower, if it doesn’t fit the elements of where you will be landscaping, it should not be used. This will go against what you are trying to create and most likely the plant will not survive. Remember, as well, that it is best to learn as much as possible about the native plants in your area, which might require taking time to attend classes or seminars with the local horticulture extension or with a wildlife organization.
You will also want to spend time preparing the soil to help return it to its natural state. If you are going about landscaping with native plants, you should also try to use the most natural elements possible. This will most often include organic compost, mulch and even organic pesticides or fertilizers.
Best Practices
The face of your landscape will change drastically, to the point where passersby's might be shocked or even irritated, especially if you live in a neighborhood where natrual landscaping is the exception rather than the rule. So it is best to find out about local laws and ordinances regarding your native plant landscaping. If you cannot find out any information from your city or county, consider visiting your local county horticulture extension. They can provide you with a good deal of information regarding current laws or ordinances, and can also help with tips on native plants to begin with.
Before you actually begin planting seeds or transferring plants into a given area, it is best to come up with a plan that will help to define the native plant landscaping area. Since wildlife native plant landscaping can often be viewed as messy or undefined, you might want to consider adding native plants that are naturally more defined to the edges of the landscape to help insulate the entire area.
Remember to resist the temptation to transfer plants that are already in place in the wild. This will disturb the natural surroundings and may be against the law in many places. Instead, visit a specialty horticulture center or gardening center that will have a wide selection of options. If necessary, you can have these items special ordered.
Benefits to Landscaping with Native Plants
Some benefits of native landscaping include the improvement of air and water quality both because of the addition of plant matter to the environment, as well as the reduction of toxins in the air from infrequent use of lawn maintenance tools and chemical pesticides that cause pollution.
Note: It is believed that gas powered garden equipment contributes up to 5% of America's air pollution.
The use of native plants restores balance to the insect population, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.
Additionally, native plants do not require as much watering or ongoing maintenance once established due to their naturally adaptive qualities to the environment. This is great for people living in arid regions needing ideas for desert landscapes.
Many who practice landscaping with native plants and grasses believe in a cycle of setting fire to the natural landscape, promoting future growth and clean up to the area. Different from traditional lawn maintenance, natural landscaping maintenance is much less harmful to the environment and encourages a healthy and stable ecosystem.
Other simple benefits include biodiversity and the increase in wildlife to the area such as certain species of animals, birds and butterflies as well as spending a great deal less time on your lawn and landscape.
|
|
