Landscaping With Local Plants
Most homeowners everywhere dream for the undeniably beautiful yard that catches the eye of surrounding neighbors. The yard is usually a dreamscape full of peculiar flowers, flawlessly trimmed shrubs and intricate garden art. But one easily becomes overwhelmed as they consider how much time and effort it would take to create such a picture-perfect sight in a neighborhood of gorgeous country house plans. Though some dedicated gardeners spend countless hours and resources to achieve such a garden, it is not a task too many time-strained homeowners can handle. Fortunately, a trend is forming among home gardens with native plants that thrive locally.
Trading in the exotic ornamental flora for native plants is a rapidly growing trend with quite a few benefits. For many homeowners, the most important element is beauty with little effort. Native plants are ones that also grow wild in an area or region. They are resistant to many natural damages such as freezing, drought, and local insects. Planting increases local population, allowing self-sustaining communities to blossom.
This means less maintenance from the gardener, as the plant is primed for the elements. No more wasting water on finicky plants and no fighting nature to have a beautiful landscape! This is one easy and sure-fire way to “go green” in your garden. Planting flowers and shrubs that do not fit within the natural landscape will no doubt require additional water, fertilizer and other garden products to keep it looking its best. But, sticking with local varieties of plants will allow your garden to thrive without wasting water and resources. Plus, the garden will still be beautiful with the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, promoting natural plantlife has quite a positive affect on the surrounding environment. Fungi, insects, and wildlife rely on the area’s natural plantlife for survival. Removing or limiting these plants destroys these ecosystems. Promoting area plants also means long root systems are established which control soil erosion from infiltrating water.
The beauty and maintenance of local plants is creating a growing trend across the nation. As time-starved consumers try to juggle busy schedules most seek low maintenance plants that have just as much appeal as an exotic garden. In addition to maintenance, local plants blend in perfectly with any area whether it’s a community of country style house plans or colonial home plans. As lovely as a flower from the heart of the rainforest may look, it doesn’t fit well in a suburban Midwest garden. Keep this in mind as you focus on your landscape. After some initial effort your dream garden will be flourishing with life with little or no water, fertilizer or care!
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I love to landscape with roses. We live in the country a bit West of St. Louis, but for some reason, the animals don’t come after our plants. We have 2 dogs, so maybe their pee smell deters intruders. We grow dahlia’s as well that are 5 feet tall! It really adds character to the front of our hours.