Four Steps to Starting a Native Plant Garden

A sense of overwhelm is one of the most common concerns we hear expressed by many homeowners that dream of starting a native garden or incorporating more natives into an existing landscape. With the abundance of information available, that feeling is incredibly justified. Often, getting started is the hardest part. Here are some ideas to help move past that initial hurdle.

1. Set Your Planting Goal

Your goal can be as simple as creating a pollinator garden or as complex as stabilizing a shoreline. Maybe you’re turning to natives to improve drainage or manage stormwater. Perhaps you want to support and invite more wildlife into your yard. Whatever your objective, there are native species that can help. If you’re unsure of what your goal is, establishing a budget is a great first step. While establishing a garden can require a long-term investment, planning at $2 to $4 per square foot allows for generous, cost-effective coverage—especially when choosing hardy native plants that thrive over time. 

2. Take Stock of Your Site

What is your soil like? What are your light levels? What is the moisture level in your space? Are there any human-made structures, such as buildings or roads, that impact the area? All of these factors will help you narrow down which native species are best suited for your space. We recommend checking light exposure in the areas you want to plant at different times of day to see how it changes. If you have a wet area, noting how long it stays saturated can also help you choose the right species.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot

As you select species, you might realize that your original plan needs to shift. A plant you had in mind might not be a great fit for your growing environment, but a similar species in the same genus could work better. Adjusting your plant choices may help preserve your overall idea without losing your vision.

If a budget issue is the catalyst for the shift, planting a more aggressive native species that’s likely to spread may preserve the project. Using smaller plants, like plugs instead of gallons, also reduces costs.

4. Remember to Have Fun

Native gardening and planting to support the planet opens up a world of possibilities. The butterflies, birds and insects drawn to areas with species essential to their existence add dimension and experiences that might have been missed otherwise. This is why the most important part of gardening is not getting so locked into a project idea that you forget to enjoy the journey. Gardening involves a lot of trial and error. A garden will change over time, and watching it grow may offer new opportunities and insights you hadn’t originally considered.

Starting a native plant garden offers a rewarding and dynamic experience. By setting clear goals, evaluating the site, remaining adaptable with plant choices and enjoying the process, gardeners can create landscapes that support local wildlife while enhancing their connection to nature. With thoughtful planning and an openness to learning, gardeners can transform their spaces into thriving ecosystems that evolve over time.

Kelsay Shaw is co-owner, sales consultant and botanist at Possibility Place Nursery LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in botany from Eastern Illinois University and has worked in the industry for more than 25 years. Shaw has taught classes on native plants, lectured on their uses and environmental impacts, and handled the bulk of the nursery’s consulting on projects both large and small. Possibility Place Nursery is located at 7548 W. Monee-Manhattan Rd., in Monee. For more information, visit PossibilityPlace.com.