native planting
"Everyone who owns land has a golden opportunity to enhance, rather than degrade, local ecosystems by including ecological function as a criterion when we choose landscape plants." - Doug Tallamy
What is it?
Native Planting means restoring or reintroducing indigenous plant species into environments where they have naturally evolved to support a particular region’s ecosystems, including beneficial insect and bird populations, as well as soil and water conservation. These plants are not only beautiful, but adept at helping to maintain the health of our environment.
Why use native plants?
If we don’t plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers on our properties, our favorite species of butterflies, birds, and other fauna will disappear. There are plenty of reasons to use native plants in your property’s landscape, but we think it’s best summed up by leading conservationist and author of Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens, Doug Tallamy:
"Today’s environmental challenges are so enormous that it is easy to feel helpless, as if one person can’t make a difference - despite the cliché that suggests you can. In this case, however, the cliché is right on: by choosing ecologically-effective plants for your landscape, by shrinking your lawn, and by removing your invasive ornamentals – all actions a single person can take - you will be able to make a difference that you can see, and enjoy, almost immediately. Life will return to your property!"
Birds, Birds, Birds!
Native plants will bring life to your property, indeed! It’s one of the best ways to attract beautiful birds and butterflies. Notice the robin below, feeding its young. Bird feeders with seeds and suet may attract some adult birds but hatchlings can only eat bugs and insects which need native plants to maintain healthy populations. Basically, if you love seeing spectacular birds and butterflies around your home, native plants are required to ensure they find your property to be an oasis they’ll return to year after year.
Our approach to native planting
We love using native plants, trees and shrubs in our designs because they provide necessary habitat and food sources for native birds, butterflies, and other creatures, but we also use them because they’re visually stunning and naturally adapted to thrive in our specific climate and soil conditions. We won’t design a “messy” looking native design that alienates the neighborhood, but a beautiful natural oasis that will have your neighbors stopping by to ask about all the new life and color you’ve brought to your street.
Just as important, native plants don’t demand much in return for their place in the sun, surviving without fertilizers or pesticides. Want it all? We can combine natives with select non-invasive exotics to provide the best design possible for your yard and lifestyle.
Notice here the Monarch caterpillar feasting on milkweed, the only plant species it is adapted to eat.
want to keep learning about native plants?
There are so many helpful resources for learning about native plants, how best to incorporate them in our local landscapes, and ways to join a growing community of people championing the importance of native plant education. Here are some great starting places we recommend:
Southbend.wildones.org is a wonderful local organization offering education, community events, and more. We’re thrilled to be a member!
Homegrownnationalpark.org is a national resource for the native plant movement, co-founded by author and conservationist Doug Tallamy.
Indiananativeplants.org offers education, guides to purchasing and using native plants, statewide events, and much more.