Visualize using native plants
Discover how you can transform your yard through the use of native plants.
Raingardens
Turn runoff into wildflowers!
Raingardens are an attractive and easy way to capture and absorb runoff from rooftops, downspouts, driveways, patios, and other impervious areas. It’s important to remember that raingardens are not ponds or wetlands. Raingardens generally are designed and constructed to completely absorb water within a few hours, but not more than a couple days. Because the water that flows into a raingarden is absorbed into the ground, it is prevented from flowing across surfaces where it can pick up sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants that may pass into the street and eventually into a lake, creek, or wetland. Instead, this water helps plants grow and minimizes watering needs.
Veggie garden
Reward yourself with some fresh veggies and herbs!
A veggie garden is a great way to take advantage of pollinators you have attracted to your yard. Planting native wildflowers around your garden can help improve the production of flowering plants like squash, melons, eggplant, and strawberries. It can also add color around your cabbages. Although not native, some herbs like oregano, garlic, chives, parsley, and lavender are also good for pollinators. Don’t forget the fencing (or plant some extras for your fuzzy friends).
Woodland Edge
Provide for wildlife by planting a transition zone.
Edge habitat is attractive to many wildlife species because it provides winter cover, protection from predators, nesting sites, and food in the form of fruit, nuts, seeds and greens. Along sunny edges, most plants will flourish, supplying a dense cover and yielding more flowers and food for pollinators and songbirds. This is a good place to plant a diversity of native species that provide the most benefit. See a list of suggestions in the article “Why native plants?” You have no woodland edge? Large groupings of woody plants of different heights, mulched throughout, will mimic a woodland edge.
Shade Tree
The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second best time is today!
Need a reason or two to plant a tree? Try these! Trees planted on the east and west sides of homes result in energy savings. Mature trees have been shown to increase property values. Trees benefit public health by improving air and water quality. Tree growth removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it, which is why trees and forests are often referred to as “carbon sinks.” Wildlife are fed, protected, and attracted by trees. The cooling shade of trees ensures a longer life for paved asphalt and reduces the urban heat island effect. Need another reason not to put off planting? Recent U.S. Department of Agriculture studies have shown that the greatest economic and environmental benefits come from large, mature trees.
Sunny Meadow
Need a splash of color in your native landscape?
Plant a sunny meadow for a splash of color. In the summer, butterflies, bees and hummingbirds will be attracted to the pollen and sweet flower nectar, and in the winter this landscape component will provide interest. The deep-rooted plants help stabilize soils to prevent erosion and allow infiltration of water. That in turn will help reduce the amount of water that runs off your property, protecting your neighborhood wetland, creek or pond.
Use Native Plants
Don’t mow to the edge!
Preserving native vegetation growing around lakes, creeks, and wetlands helps protect water quality, prevent erosion and provide wildlife habitat. Water runoff can be slowed and absorbed when passing through native vegetation, reducing the amount of sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants that reach the water. Planting native vegetation such as trees, wildflowers, shrubs, sedges, or other species around the water can help supplement existing vegetation, provide cover and food for birds or other wildlife, help prevent the negative effects of lawn care practices and provide an attractive view.
