Nativescapes - The Ulimate Green Landscape

A type of landscape design that uses mostly native plants is often called 'Nativescaping'. It is actually a more descriptive name in lieu of Xeriscape, which to many people, means nothing.

What is a Native Plant? A native plant (also referred to as indigenous) is a plant that has evolved over many thousands of years in a particular bio-region. Throughout their evolution within a particular area, there have been challenges placed upon the survival of the plant, mainly influences of soil, hydrology, temperature extremes and degree of sunlight.  Native plants make up a part of their bio region in which they share the climatic factors with other plant species to form a plant community. A community of native plant species differentiate the habitats that animals and other creatures inhabit. 

What is a Non-Native Plant? Non-native plants (also called non-indigenous plants) are plants that have been brought into an area in which they did not evolve. Introduction of non-native plants into our landscape has been both accidental and intentional. For example, Purple loosestrife, was introduced from Europe 200 hundred years ago as a medicinal herb and ornamental plant. It quickly spread and can now be found in 42 states.

Just like an exotic animal being brought into a non-native habitat, a plant can become overly aggressive and out compete other native species because it often has no competition or predators to control it. Such plant species in our natural ecosystems can be a real problem. But in our own gardens and landscapes, we tend to have virtually all non-natives comprising our plant palettes. That's the fun of gardening - that you are not limited to native species.

However, because they are not native, such plants require much more intense care, water and energy. A green approach to landscape makes use of native because of the lower water requirements, energy expenditure and the like.

Here are some reasons why native plants can be a benefit:
 

• Native plants do not need fertilizers.   
• Native plants require fewer pesticides.   
• Native plants require less water.   
• Native plants help reduce air pollution.   
• Native plants provide habitat and food for wildlife.   
• Native plants respect the natural biodiversity or our lands.   
• Native plants save money.  

So now, it should seem a no-brainer to have at least a part of your yard or garden full of native plants. The best way to have native plants is to not remove them in the first place! If possible, don't look at your native vegetation as an overgrowth of weeds and scrub. Natives can be pruned effectively to integrate with your introduced non-native species for a garden that is sensitive to the needs of people.