Tips on Eco-Friendly Landscaping with Plants
Native Plants
A variety of native perennial plants, shrubs, trees, and grasses are being used to create eco-friendly landscapes that are both beautiful and beneficial to the environment.
Common plants used in landscaping may be substituted with Hollies, Coral Honeysuckle, Passion Flower Vine, or other native plants. These plants are unique in the fact they have adapted to local growing conditions.
Carefully select native plants that are suitable for your climate, natural conditions and wildlife. The correct placement of these eco-friendly plants can minimize or even eliminate the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Drought-Resistant Plants: Perennials; Shrubs and Trees; and Grass
Perennials such as Butterfly Weed, Downy Phlox, and Golden Groundsel are just a few of many drought-tolerance plants that are great for dry sun; partial shade; and shade weather.
Butterfly Weed perennials are long-lived plants that are extremely hardy. Its ability to adapt to dry conditions enables you to conserve water.
The slow-growing plant blooms from June to September and is very dependable once it is established.
Like most slower-grown native plants, Butterfly Weed plants may take an extended amount of time to fill out your eco-friendly landscape but its longevity and low-maintenance are beneficial.
Down Phlox is an herbaceous perennial plant that blooms from mid to late spring and offers a supply of nectar to attract butterflies.
Ranging from white to pink in color, this sun/partial shade plant also attracts hummingbirds and needs very little water.
Golden Groundsel is a partial shade/shade perennial plant that attracts butterflies and brings beautiful color to eco-friendly landscaping. It spreads quickly, creating an effective evergreen ground cover.
Drought-resistant shrubs and trees are also an excellent choice for achieving eco-friendly landscaping.
American Holly is a slow-growing tree that is great for dry climates and has an active spring and summer growth period. This native tree is easy to care for and great for wildlife, attracting a variety of birds such as blue jays and mockingbirds.
Chokecherry, Horsesugar, Serviceberry, Yucca, and a number of native drought-resistant trees and shrubs, are also great for dry sun; dry partial shade; or dry shade climates.
In addition to perennials, shrubs, and trees; grass natives are also drought-friendly and can grow in dry climates.
Purple Muhly Grass is a tough native grass that is useful for residential eco-friendly landscaping and mixes in well with other shrubs.
A colorful display of purple in the fall, this native grass is also adaptable to wet conditions and requires very little care.
Selection of the mentioned drought-tolerant native plants (perennials, shrubs, trees, and grass) should be determined by your soil.
Diversity
A diverse group of native plants will give your eco-friendly landscape longevity. Plants of the same species tend to be prone to disease and insect infestation and do not benefit wildlife.
Exclude Invasive Plants
Avoid the planting of harmful invasive plants such as Japanese Honeysuckle, Chinese and Japanese Wisteria, Morning Glory, Privet, and many others of its kind. These plants invade and threaten natural areas, and interfere with native plants.
Contact your state Exotic Pest Plant Council for a list of plants that should be avoided or your local government planning division for those that have been approved.
With the right selection and correct placement of native plants, you will have the attractive eco-friendly landscape you’ve always wanted.
