{"id":8085,"date":"2022-02-20T21:36:24","date_gmt":"2022-02-20T21:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=8085"},"modified":"2022-06-16T03:21:00","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T03:21:00","slug":"how-to-design-native-plant-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Design a Native Plant Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference between plants and a garden is <em>design<\/em>. Native plants are a hot topic for homeowners, but how do you create an Instagram-worthy design? We\u2019ve got tips and tricks on how to design a native plant garden that your followers will \u201c<em>ooh\u201d<\/em> and \u201c<em>aah\u201d<\/em> over.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-bd0b0119-0863-4334-a46f-dc18524202e9\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#0-design-fundamentals-of-a-native-plant-garden\" style=\"\">Design fundamentals of a native plant garden<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#1-balance-\" style=\"\">Balance\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#2-focalization\" style=\"\">Focalization<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#3-proportion\" style=\"\">Proportion<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#4-repetition\" style=\"\">Repetition<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#5-rhythm\" style=\"\">Rhythm<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#6-simplicity\" style=\"\">Simplicity<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#7-transition\" style=\"\">Transition<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#8-unity\" style=\"\">Unity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#9-how-to-plan-for-a-native-garden\" style=\"\">How to plan for a native garden<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#10-size-up-the-sun\" style=\"\">Size up the sun<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#11-know-the-soil\" style=\"\">Know the soil<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#12-choose-your-plants\" style=\"\">Choose your plants<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#13-bypass-marketing-for-a-true-native\" style=\"\">Bypass marketing for a true native<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#14-aim-for-year-round-interest\" style=\"\">Aim for year-round interest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#15-learn-more-about-native-plants-in-your-city\" style=\"\">Learn more about native plants in your city<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#16-check-out-your-state%E2%80%99s-native-plant-society\" style=\"\">Check out your state\u2019s native plant society<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#17-visit-a-local-arboretum-wildlife-sanctuary-or-nature-trail\" style=\"\">Visit a local arboretum, wildlife sanctuary, or nature trail<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#18-birds-bees-and-trees\" style=\"\">Birds, bees, and trees<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-design-native-plant-garden\/#19-faq-about-how-to-design-a-native-plant-garden\" style=\"\">FAQ about how to design a native plant garden<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-design-fundamentals-of-a-native-plant-garden\"><span id=\"design-fundamentals-of-a-native-plant-garden\">Design fundamentals of a native plant garden<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design principles apply across the artistic realm. Use these principles whether you compose an opera, choreograph a dance number, or plant a garden. Let\u2019s dig in.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-balance-\"><span id=\"balance\">Balance&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Balance is often achieved by creating symmetric or asymmetric designs across an imaginary line. A symmetrically balanced design creates a mirror image across the midpoint.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: Formal English gardens often use symmetry to create balance.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-focalization\"><span id=\"focalization\">Focalization<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focalization guides visual direction or traffic toward a feature in the landscape. It may be simpler to say, include a focal point as you plan your garden design.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: A statue, ornamental bed, large tree or shrub, or point on the horizon that you want to direct people to.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-proportion\"><span id=\"proportion\">Proportion<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proportion is the relationship between elements.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: The relationship between tree height and building height, or the relationship between different plant heights in the garden.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-repetition\"><span id=\"repetition\">Repetition<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repetition refers to using similar elements multiple times within the landscape. This creates a sense of cohesion.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: Using a single tree species to demarcate a property line or border.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-rhythm\"><span id=\"rhythm\">Rhythm<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rhythm in a design helps create movement. Repetition is key. Repeated use of line, color, form, or other elements create movement through an entire landscape.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: A winding path with curved lines helps to direct visitors through the landscape. Similarly, a pathway lined with trees (repetition) directs the visitor toward, perhaps, a fountain at the end of the walk.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-simplicity\"><span id=\"simplicity\">Simplicity<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simplicity is the idea that a designer should keep only the elements that contribute to the design\u2019s unity and coherence. It does not imply a lack of complexity or interest. If a landscape lacks organization or unity, it lacks simplicity.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: Focus on a single idea or garden theme and stick to it (for example, a Japanese, cottage, desert, or kitchen garden). Don\u2019t mix and match. This usually leads to a chaotic appearance.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-transition\"><span id=\"transition\">Transition<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transition refers to a \u201cgradual change\u201d in shape, size, or color.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: The flow in height from groundcover, to small perennial, to shrub, to tree.<\/li><\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-unity\"><span id=\"unity\">Unity<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unity is the \u201cmain idea\u201d of your landscape. Practically, this is closely related to the theme, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-a-cottage-garden%E2%80%8B\/\">cottage garden<\/a>, Asian garden, or formal garden. It also considers how well the garden fits with the space or climate. Unity is the sum of the successful use of all other elements.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Example: Does a cottage garden look like a cottage garden? Cottage gardens look informal and naturalistic, using local materials, such as trees and stone, to create garden beds and fence lines. They are often associated with the look of the rural English countryside. Decide on a theme and stick to it, and you\u2019ll likely achieve unity in your garden design.<\/li><\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out more about the principles of creating a native garden, check out:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Circular 536, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/plantsciences.montana.edu\/horticulture\/ASHS_Teaching_MethodsWG\/Landscape-Design\/Vendrame_Basic%20Principles%20of%20Landscape%20Design.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Basic Principles of Landscape Design<\/a>\u201d from the University of Florida<\/li><li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clemson.edu\/cafls\/vincent\/powerpoints\/principles-of-landscape-design.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Principles of Landscape Design<\/a>,\u201d a slideshow presentation from Clemson University<\/li><li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/news\/principles_of_landscape_design\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Principles of Landscape Design<\/a>\u201d from Michigan State University<\/li><\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-how-to-plan-for-a-native-garden\"><span id=\"how-to-plan-for-a-native-garden\">How to plan for a native garden<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you head to the check-out line with a basket full of plants you\u2019d like to install, do a little pre-planning work.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-size-up-the-sun\"><span id=\"size-up-the-sun\">Size up the sun<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Location, location, location. Once you\u2019ve marked the location for your new native plant garden, spend one day to track the sun in this space. Determine whether you have full sun (six or more hours of direct sun), partial sun (sometimes called partial shade: two to six hours of direct sunlight), or full shade (less than two hours of direct sunlight).<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-know-the-soil\"><span id=\"know-the-soil\">Know the soil<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sun and soil comprise the building blocks for any successful garden space. Get a soil test to determine the macronutrients, micronutrients, and the soil pH. Your county\u2019s Cooperative Extension office will send your soil sample to the state lab for analysis.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You may be tempted to skip this step<\/strong>, but any landscape architect worth his dirt will tell you that site and soil preparation is <em>not<\/em> the area in which to skimp. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the <a href=\"https:\/\/content.ces.ncsu.edu\/extension-gardener-handbook\/1-soils-and-plant-nutrients#section_heading_7242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">macronutrients<\/a> every plant must get from the soil. Soil tests should measure both phosphorus and potassium and make fertilizer recommendations. Nitrogen is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncagr.gov\/agronomi\/pdffiles\/ustr.pdf#page=4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">not usually measured<\/a> since it doesn\u2019t last long in the soil, but the lab may make a standard recommendation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some soil tests will measure secondary macronutrients and micronutrients as well. <strong>All of these nutrients must be in balance for each one to be properly absorbed by the plant<\/strong>. Soil pH \u2014 how acidic or alkaline the soil is \u2014 also affects nutrient absorption.<\/p>    <div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph.jpg\" alt=\"illustration showing the pH levels of soil\" class=\"wp-image-6565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph-400x284.jpg 400w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph-610x432.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_1soil-ph-390x276.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you install your new native species, follow the fertilizer recommendations for that growing area to ensure your plants have all they need to thrive.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-choose-your-plants\"><span id=\"choose-your-plants\">Choose your plants<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that you\u2019re prepared for sun and soil conditions, it\u2019s time to choose the right plants for this space. This is sometimes referred to as \u201cright plant, right place.\u201d Here are a few tips for success in your native garden.<\/p>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-bypass-marketing-for-a-true-native\"><span id=\"bypass-marketing-for-a-true-native\">Bypass marketing for a true native<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Purchase straight species<\/strong> native plants or seeds. What is a straight species? All true native plants are straight species and have not been artificially bred to bring out certain traits. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwf.org\/Magazines\/National-Wildlife\/2016\/JuneJuly\/Gardening\/Cultivars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cultivars of native plants<\/a>, or \u201cnativars,\u201d have been altered by human breeding.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a simple boots-on-the-ground test to tell whether a native plant is a straight species or a cultivar: <strong>Look at its name<\/strong>. The first name you\u2019ll see is its Latin name in italics (ex. <em>Echinacea purpurea<\/em>). Now see if it has a name after its Latin name. If so, and if it sounds like someone\u2019s favorite smoothie flavor (such as <em>Echinacea purpurea <\/em>\u2018Pink Double Delight\u2019), it\u2019s probably not a straight species. Someone brought it into a lab and bred it for a color, flower shape, or other desired trait.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, you want to ensure that the plant is <strong>native to your local area<\/strong>, or at least to your state. A California native may not be a New England native, for example. A plant whose ancestors have lived with the other plants and animals in that area is a plant that is best suited for your climate and temperatures.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a little more technical, native plants are <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/what-native-plant#:~:text=the%20us%20forest%20service%20recommends%20that%2C%20for%20optimal%20benefits%2C%20native%20plants%20be%20sourced%20within%20the%20same%20u.s.%20epa%20level%20iii%20ecoregion.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best sourced within your Level III ecoregion<\/a><\/strong>. (Ecoregions, short for ecological regions, are areas with similar ecosystems. Check out the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/gaftp.epa.gov\/EPADataCommons\/ORD\/Ecoregions\/us\/Eco_Level_III_US.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Level III Ecoregion map<\/a> to see the ecoregions in your state.)&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To put it simply<\/strong>, plants and animals with a long ancestral history in your climate have grown up together, eaten the same foods, and endured the same weather. There\u2019s no cultural adjustment; this is their home, and they know just how to survive and thrive in your landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Climate and temperature aren\u2019t the only aspects to consider. <strong>Pollinators and wildlife may not interact with a nativar in the same way as a straight species<\/strong>. Some nativars have altered flower shapes and sizes. This can make it impossible for a bee or hummingbird, for example, to gather nectar or pollen from these altered flower shapes. In addition, if these flowers are sterile, they do not produce seeds, and birds cannot feast on them as they could on a straight species native.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-aim-for-year-round-interest\"><span id=\"aim-for-year-round-interest\">Aim for year-round interest<\/span><\/h4>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t you want a beautiful garden year-round? Design it, and make it so. If this is too much for your schedule, you can always hire a landscape designer or landscape architect for professional guidance. If you\u2019re starting small, this is a doable DIY project.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When shopping for plants, it\u2019s tempting to choose a plant because it has beautiful blooms. When you look at a plant picture in a seed or online catalog, dig a little deeper before you click \u201cbuy.\u201d <strong>Read the description to see <\/strong><strong><em>when<\/em><\/strong><strong> it blooms in your area<\/strong>. Try to choose perennials with overlapping bloom times. This is often called \u201cfour-season color.\u201d If you plan it well, you may even have blooms in those dreary winter months.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that native plants are more than a pretty face\u2026er, flower. <strong>Native trees, shrubs, and grasses all play a part in local biodiversity<\/strong>. When you look at your state\u2019s native plant list, don\u2019t skip over these other elements and head straight for the wildflowers. Non-flowering elements \u2014 such as some native grasses \u2014 add depth, interest, and four-season provision for the wildlife in your native landscape. Design from the ground covers to the skies for the most effective and comprehensive native plant design.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip: <\/strong>For large landscaping projects, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardendesign.com\/landscape-design\/rules.html#:~:text=06%3A%20PLANT%20BIG,served%20me%20well.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">install the tallest or largest elements first<\/a>, and work your way down to the smallest. This prevents you from stepping on or rolling over smaller plantings as you install the largest features in the landscape.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-learn-more-about-native-plants-in-your-city\"><span id=\"learn-more-about-native-plants-in-your-city\">Learn more about native plants in your city<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out these local resources to learn more about your area\u2019s native plants.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-check-out-your-state%E2%80%99s-native-plant-society\"><span id=\"check-out-your-states-native-plant-society\">Check out your state\u2019s native plant society<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most state native plant societies have well-developed websites with blog posts, native plant lists for your state, plant sale information, and contact information for the local chapters. They are your go-to resource for native plants.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In states with varying climates, there may be more than one plant list to consider. For example, local arboretums may have a list in addition to the one put out by the state native plant society. Choose the list that is closest to you for the best results.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-visit-a-local-arboretum-wildlife-sanctuary-or-nature-trail\"><span id=\"visit-a-local-arboretum-wildlife-sanctuary-or-nature-trail\">Visit a local arboretum, wildlife sanctuary, or nature trail<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These places often have plaques throughout that inform visitors about the plants, animals, and ecosystems they inhabit. These in-person visits are a great way to see plants \u201cin action\u201d and glean ideas for your native garden.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-birds-bees-and-trees\"><span id=\"birds-bees-and-trees\">Birds, bees, and trees<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State or local ornithological societies, beekeepers associations, and city tree groups are great places to get out, volunteer, and learn about plants and wildlife in your community.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is a \u201ctree group?\u201d These are nonprofits that are most common in large cities (ex. \u201cTree San Diego). Their goal is usually to restore the tree canopy in a city and\/or remove invasive species. They are always eager for volunteers to spend a day planting and taking care of local trees.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-faq-about-how-to-design-a-native-plant-garden\"><span id=\"faq-about-how-to-design-a-native-plant-garden\">FAQ about how to design a native plant garden<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1645026595608\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">1. What is a native plant? <br\/><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildflower.org\/expert\/show.php?id=972#:~:text=a%20plant%20that%20occurs%20naturally%20in%20the%20place%20where%20it%20evolved\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">native plant<\/a> is a plant that \u201coccurs naturally in the place where it evolved.\u201d In other words, its ancestors have lived there, too, for many, many generations, and it has not been altered by human breeding efforts. Check out our article, \u201cWhat is a Native Plant\u201d for more information. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1645026608359\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">2. What are the benefits of native plants? <br\/><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Native plants benefit the local ecosystem, but they also benefit you as a homeowner and novice landscape designer: <br\/><br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Few or no chemicals and pesticides<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Increase local wildlife habitat<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Reduce fertilizer use<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Low maintenance (saves time and money over the long haul)<\/span> <br\/>&#8212;<span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Less mowing<\/span> <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1645026654339\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">3. Where can I buy native plants? <br\/><br\/><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Local garden centers and nurseries are a good place to start. Independent stores may be more likely to offer native plants than big box hardware stores. Call a few in your area before you stop by and ask what they offer.\u00a0 <br\/><br\/>Also, ask where they source their plants. As we mentioned earlier, plants that have a lineage in your local area or climate are the best options for you, the success of the plants, and local wildlife. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Need more time on your weekend? Let our <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawnlove.com\"><em>local lawn care pros<\/em><\/a><em> take care of the mowing and keep your native garden fit for flyers and humans alike.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Photo Credit: Ron Frazier | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/tomronworldwide\/27947304972\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flickr<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The difference between plants and a garden is design. Native plants are a hot topic for homeowners, but how do [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":8088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[132,222],"class_list":["post-8085","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-gardening","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_27947304972_1c8ae0bcc4_h.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sarah Bahr","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sarah-bahr\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8085"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8085\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}