Landscaping with Native Plants

 You don’t have to travel far this summer to experience the beauty and breadth of Wisconsin’s natural landscape.  Wisconsin boasts over 1,700 species of plants that have evolved naturally in our local ecosystem.   These native plants make up our state’s picturesque prairies, meadows, woodlands and wetlands, and with the help of our garden experts you can incorporate the beauty of Wisconsin’s native plants into your next outdoor planting project.

Landscaping with native plants offers a number of practical benefits.  Wisconsin native plants are resistant to most local pests and diseases; they are hardy enough to survive our hot summers and cold winters.  Having evolved and adapted to their natural surroundings for over a millennia, native plants are considered lower maintenance than most non-native plants and consequently they will thrive in your yard without special care.

Native plants can easily be incorporated into your outdoor planting project.  They can peacefully co-exist with non-native plants or you can create an entirely native Wisconsin garden.  Whether you are adding to an existing garden or starting a new one, take special care to prepare the soil prior to planting.  Adding nutrient-rich compost will help your plants develop and grow.  Compost will also improve the soil’s water retention.  Make sure to keep the soil adequately moist especially the first year.  Keep in mind that fewer, concentrated waterings directly at the soil will help your plants establish deeper roots.  Make sure to water more often during hot weather.

Stein Gardens & Gifts has over 25 different types of Wisconsin native perennials which are identified in our garden center by special Wisconsin state-shaped tags.  Our native plant offering is referred to as “True Wisconsin Native” because all of them are locally grown and native to Wisconsin rather than the broader Midwest region.  Click here to learn more about our True Wisconsin Native program. 

Sources: 

Landscaping with Native Plants of Wisconsin, Lynn M. Steiner.

Landscaping with Native Plants, http://www.for-wild.org/landscap.htm