Over the years, working with my hands I have had the opportunity to do a lot of different things. One of the most rewarding things I have had the privilege to do has been desighn landscapes and gardens. I find them incredibly rewarding and usually can't wait to get my hands in the dirt. There are many schools of thought for landscaping, but the one I prefer and encourage everyone to check out is planting with native species.
When planning a landcape with native species it's important to first establish good references for what is native and what is not. I am in Florida and I usually use https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu as my first point of reference and search the net a bit more from there to find more info if needed. Most states have similar sites that brake it up into regions and have nice listst with plants and where they are found.
Once a reference is established I like to sit and think, usually in the space I am planning. I think about the goals for the project. Is there a path? Are we creating shade or privacy? Are we trying to attract or deter wildlife? Do we want edible landscape? And so on...
Next I start with the largest plant in each area, and than try and build a support system for that plant that mimics what nature designs. I may plant nitrogen fixers or something that produces healthy nutrient rich chop and drop compost. Usually trying to find shrubs, ground cover, decoration and a nice fragrance. Consider how things will Grow with time and the seasons. If planned correctly you could have something blooming all year!
The idea is that all or most of the waste that is produced by falling this or that will help the beds grow healthier thans stronger. If done correctly they will need far less inputs once established. This means less to no watering, less to no fertilizer and less time fussing with it once its all set. You will get to enjoy the landscape instead of fight with it. Planting imported ornamentals may look fantastic when the time is right but they require much more upkeep. They can also disrupt the local ecosystem which is already in trouble most places.
If you enjoy the local wildlife, planting natives is another way to get to see them. The local butterflies, frogs, toads, lizards and birds have all attracted to what benefits them. What benefits them most is what they were designed to live in, on, and around, namely the natural local plantlife. Providing them a nice space with that in your yard is a great way to get them to come. Many if these creatures eat bugs and the bugs eat the plants or something the plant provides. This creates a food source for the local songbirds and such and when they eat and sing it will be outside your window.
When designing your landscape for your new home or just revising the landscape at your long term residence, I strongly recommend you at least consider and investigate planting natives. Much of what you are looking for may have already been provided in your area by mother nature, its just been displaced by planted invasives. Please consider this when you plan youre next landscape bed.
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