What purposes do you have for your plantings?

Everyone wants pretty gardens, but if you’re interested in native plants you realize there are other important purposes for gardens. If you like birds and butterflies, they must have insects to feed their young. Nesting birds are wonderful. Say hello to holes in leaves and buzzing insects in your yard. Get messy! Many native plants gardeners also want to welcome wildlife in general. Many species are generalists and can eat many different kinds of plants. Many are specialists who can eat only one species of plant. Offer the keystone species, native plants that feed the most wildlife.

How much space do I want to devote to native plants?

Front yard, side yards or back yards. Start with a small space and grow from there. Think about the space you want to devote to native plants.

What are the dimensions?

Write down the square footage. Draw out the shapes on graph paper.

Do I want to convert any ornamentals or standard landscaping to natives?

Keep the ornamental plants you can’t live without. Give away or compost the plants you don’t want.

What kind of plantings are on my property now? 

Write down what kinds of plantings: woods, turf grass, older trees (how large and how many), younger trees (where are they), shrubs (what, where, how large, how old) Note what landscape is beyond your yard and any views you like. Include them on your graph paper.

Are there wet areas that stay wet extended amount of time?

Don’t fight your conditions. Make lemonade. Wet areas are prime candidates for rain gardens.

Where are the streams or nearby running water supply?

Note any running water on your property. Include your rain barrels and where they are. Think about where the rain runs during rain storms. Include your pond, water features, and bird baths.

Are there dry spots used only for drainage that may have standing water at times?

Many people design beds with native plants that tolerate wet and dry conditions.

Are there hills; how is your property graded?

If your property is on a hill note what part of the hill your property is located: south, north, east, west, top of the hill, middle, or bottom. These all make a difference in what plants will grow best.

What is the shape of property in relation to house?

Usually the house or buildings sit on level areas. Draw out your property shape and place the buildings and hardscaping on the drawing. It’s useful to use graph paper.

How much sun does your property receive in areas you want to plant?

The amount of sun is very important, although I have found many prairie plants that like sun grow quite well in partial shade, especially that of woodland edge or dappled sun.

What kind of garden/planting styles do you prefer?

Often native gardens respond better to a more informal planting style, although they can be grown in a more formal way successfully too. Edged beds make your native gardens look more intentional. Don’t be afraid of tall plants. Many prairie plants are tall, especially when grown in the richer soils of yards. Try a mini or pocket prairie. Make sure you plant groups of plants together. Plant at least three of the same variety. Even better are groups of seven to thirteen, Mulch with plants. Plant large pots that you can move around, Try Prairie Pots.

Are there any special regulations for your property (neighborhood agreements, etc)?

Find out how strictly the rules are enforced. Work to get the regulations changed to encourage less formal native plant gardens.

What is the hardscaping on your property?

Include patios, decks, swimming pools, out buildings, paths, fences, Note these on your diagrams.