More Than Subtle Beauty: Using Native Plants in Your Landscape

There’s a rush to be green and eco-friendly and create more sustainable landscapes around homes and businesses. This has nurtured a growing interest in “native plants.” These are grasses, plants, shrubs and trees that have adapted to and thrive in a particular region or area—in our case, the Upper Midwest. When used wisely, you’ll find them a rewarding choice.

Aren’t They Just Weeds?

Any plant in the wrong place is a weed. And it’s true: There can be visual biases against native plants. For example, much of our experience with native plants has been in “the wild.” Here, they seem to grow haphazardly, and we assume that is how they will appear near our homes. Also, many have more subtle coloring than the flashy, ornamental flowers and shrubs grown elsewhere and transplanted here. In addition, if we’ve grown up around a lot of black-eyed susan flowers, we might think of them as “common” and not dramatic enough.

But here is the most important question to ask: What do I want from my garden? Of course you wish it to be attractive, but what does that mean for you? Do you enjoy the beauty of a stand of birches at the edge of a field? Do you want to invite beautiful birds and butterflies into your yard? If you enjoy the experience of being in nature, and also want it to enhance the setting around your home, then explore the option of using native plants.

The Return of the Native

There are many rewards to “going native”:

• Unique and interesting to look at—Many of these plants, shrubs and trees have almost disappeared from the common home landscape, which gives you a chance to create a rare, attractive space that inspires curiosity.

• Attract wildlife—You may enjoy observing and sharing your garden with birds and other backyard critters. Different native plants naturally attract different species that create activity and contribute to a healthy backyard ecosystem. Make plant choices that are designed to give you this experience.

• “Outcompete” weeds—Native plants already have adapted to the local environment, so you won’t need to use as much herbicide to reduce the unwelcome intruders in your garden.

• Sustainable—Once they are established, you won’t need to do as much maintenance with these resilient plants, which can be kind to your budget and give you more time to enjoy your garden.

• Conserve water—By choosing plants that build deep root systems and already are adapted to the local environment, extra watering won’t be necessary after they’ve taken root. In addition, they automatically collect water runoff from around your home and disperse it, as well as filter pollutants from water.

• Conserve and improve soil quality—Deep roots from native plants stabilize soil. This reduces erosion and adds organic matter to the soil, maintaining and improving its richness and quality over time.

• Reduce carbon footprint—The last four benefits also mean you will decrease your impact on the environment using fewer resources to keep your garden healthy and beautiful.

Tips to Keep in Mind

If these benefits appeal to you, here are some steps you can take to make your dream of a native-plant garden a reality.

See for yourself. How might this kind of garden look? Here are some that are open to the public and may offer interpretive programs for homeowners and children:

• Morton Arboretum, in Lisle (MortonArb.org)
• Chicago Botanic Garden, in Glencoe (ChicagoBotanic.org)
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, in Kansasville, Wisconsin (BongNaturalistAssociation.org)
• Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie/Tyner Center, in Glenview (GlenviewParks.org)
• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, in Joliet (FS.USDA.gov/Midewin)

Do some research. There are some excellent resources available on native plants. This list will give you a start.

Associations:
• Wild Ones (For-Wild.org)
• The Prairie Enthusiasts (ThePrairieEnthusiasts.org)

Government:
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR.State.IL.us)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR.WI.gov)

Growers and Seed Companies:
• Agrecol (Agrecol.com)
• JFNew (JFNew.com)
• Prairie Nursery (PrairieNursery.com)

Get outside. What kind of natural spaces speak to you? The next time you take a walk or a hike, pay attention to what is in the environment that helps you feel the most relaxed or invigorated. You may want to incorporate similar vignettes into your garden.

Think about the space you’re working with. Is the ground wet, medium or dry? Sunny or shady? Or some combination of all of these? Make certain you select plants that work in those conditions. In addition, consider seasonal plant characteristics and location in your garden and yard. For example, there is a resurgence in planting oak trees because they grow faster than you may think, and attract caterpillars (which turn into butterflies) and birds. But they also drop acorns, so you might not want them near driveways or walkways.

Consider working with a professional landscape designer. If you choose this route, interview several designers and make certain they have experience in creating native-plant gardens. Keep in mind that this is a partnership, so work with someone who listens well and values your opinions before he or she starts making recommendations.

The primary purpose of a garden is to be a beautiful “outdoor room” where you want to spend time. Close your eyes and envision how that looks for you. Is it a place that echoes what you love about a walk in state park? Do you want to take an eco-friendly approach? Then the subtle sophistication of a native plant garden, and all of the benefits it provides, could not only be the right thing to do, but the right thing for you.

John Mariani is executive vice president of and a landscape designer for Mariani Landscape, which was started by his father in 1958. John’s passion for native plants dates back 25 years, when he helped to restore his first prairie. Mariani Landscape is located at 300 Rockland Rd., Lake Bluff 60044. For more information, call 847-234-2172, email [email protected] or visit MarianiLandscape.com.