New Trend on the Block: Native Plant Landscaping

When you think of a beautiful meadow at sunset, what comes to mind? Long, billowing grasses and wildflowers, probably accompanied by butterflies and bees, appear. If you could capture that look and stage it around your property, would you? 

This delightful image is the inspiration for modern natural landscaping. Native plant landscaping combines the beauty and functionality of native species into unique gardening designs

This landscaping technique is the latest trend for homeowners and business owners alike who want a more low-maintenance and sustainable garden design.

See just why native plant landscaping is captivating the hearts of Minnesotans.

What Is Native Plant Landscaping?

Native landscaping, also called “naturescaping,” is when you use native plant species in your landscaping. Native plants are indigenous to North America before European colonization. 

Many plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs are considered native. Since they have naturally evolved over thousands of years in this climate, they are better suited to withstand seasonal conditions while adding to the local biodiversity. 

Native plants self-seed and adapt to local growing conditions. Since they have strong, fibrous roots, they prevent weeds from growing. No weeds mean no need for harmful weed-killers, including toxic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides.  

The less harsh chemicals you use, the safer the environment for you, your family, or your customers. 

What Are Native Plants to the Midwest?

There are hundreds of native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and sedges that call the Midwest home. When you start planning on incorporating them into your landscaping, it’s essential to consider what type of eco-environment you have: wetland, prairie, meadow, etc. 

Once you’ve established which type of eco-environment you have, you start planning your design. Since native plant species have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, you can easily add them to your existing landscaping with minimal work. 

There are over 100 species of woodland, wetland, and prairie plants native to the area. Unsure of where to start?  Work with a horticultural expert to find the right native foliage for your property.

Native Wildflowers & Plants

  • Several Aster Species
  • Wild Bergamot
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Jacob’s Ladder 
  • Bee Balm
  • Asters
  • Lupine
  • Common Milkweed
  • Black-Eyed Susan
  • And More

Perennials, shrubs, groundcovers, and other natural plants will create biodiversity while providing food for local wildlife.

Native Grasses

  • Perennial Ryegrass
  • Prairie Cordgrass
  • Big Bluestem
  • Prairie Dropseed
  • Tall Fescue
  • And More

Capture the look of a natural prairie or meadow by incorporating some of these native plant species into your landscape. 

Benefits of Native Plant Landscaping

By planting specific flora for your particular region, you’ll have a better survival rate. 

Native species have root systems that match the local ecological environment. Compared to other invasive species, native plants help the local flora, fauna, and surrounding environment. 

  • No fertilizers
  • Less water needed than lawns
  • Prevents soil erosion
  • Provides food for pollinators
  • Absorbs rainwater
  • Reduce air pollution
  • Add beautiful, natural aesthetic 

Ask your local landscaping specialists about adding plants to highlight your other attractive landscape features, like fountains or waterfalls. 

Let’s explore how adding native landscaping can benefit you, your home, and your local ecosystem. 

Define Your Borders

Native landscaping is best when contained within certain areas. For example, add a walking path, stone edge, or other defined shapes to navigate your yard without hassle.

Instead of looking like an unkempt prairie, our team will carefully design your landscape with more intentionality. 

Add Plant Diversity

To reduce your regular landscaping maintenance, it’s a good idea to add different native plants and flowers. One of the many benefits of native grasses is that they have densely packed fibrous roots, which prevent weeds from growing. 

Plus, they create color and dimension all year long by planting native plant species.

Help Local Wildlife

Within the past few years, it has become abundantly clear that we need to protect our local pollinators, like butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects. 

Native plants create crucial food for these hard-working creatures and are a sustainable way to protect ecosystems. 

Aid in Vegetable Gardening

As seasoned gardeners will tell you, planting essential native plants helps draw in local pollinators. Then, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial bugs get to work helping pollinate your garden. If you want to increase and protect your vegetable garden, you should plant wildflowers.  

Ask your landscaping specialist about companion planting with native plants.

Low-Maintenance

There has been an increase in native landscaping over the past few years. Many are flocking to include this sustainable landscape plan due to low maintenance requirements. For example, native plants in Minnesota have root structures that absorb water, interlock to restrict weeds and create a sustainable system. 

Private vs. Commercial Property Landscaping

While exotic species may be eye-catching, they do come with an environmental catch. To maintain that pristine green lawn, you need to invest in tons of fertilizers and pesticides. That doesn’t even begin to include the additional cost of gas for mowing or hefty water bill. 

Go beyond simply installing native landscapes with Architectural Landscape Design. See how our team works with you to develop a one-of-a-kind natural landscape for your home or commercial property. Whether you are looking to redo your landscape or start from scratch, you can benefit from adding native plant species. 

Native landscaping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice character and design. Instead, consider adding additional landscaping features like a rock garden, water feature, frog pond, or even a butterfly berm. 

Explore our services to see how we can dramatically improve your outdoor living space, and ask our team about featured native plants that accentuate your property.

Consult Your Local Landscaping Designer, Today!

Architectural Landscape Design is a full-service landscape design company proudly serving the Twin Cities community. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, we are proud to cultivate, design, and install all your landscaping needs. 

We recognize that every property is unique, which is why we create a customized plan based on your budget, product, and goals. Our service extends beyond installation into maintenance care plans, snow removal, signature stonework, custom lighting, and more! 

Contact Architectural Landscape Design today to start designing your new native plant landscaping plan. Our team will consult with you about your desired look, offer cultivated suggestions, then design and install your new native landscape.