Naturescaping

Bring nature to your backdoor with naturescaping.

This type of landscaping focuses on working with the natural characteristics of your land and the region where you live. Native plants suitable to the growing conditions are arranged in a manner similar to the way they grow in nature.

You can apply this idea to small and large-scale landscapes. Start with a walk around the yard. You may be surprised to find you already have native plants like coneflower, butterfly weed and liatris growing in the garden. Add a few native plants you would find growing with these in nature.

Naturescaping can be done in a perennial border, shady spot or on a much larger scale if space allows. Choose woodland wildflowers for those shady areas and plants native to prairies and meadows for sunnier locations.

And don’t be afraid to mix natives with cultivated garden plants.

A bit more information: Working in concert with nature provides beauty for you to enjoy as well as food and habitat for beneficial insects and birds. Missouri Botanical Garden provides inspiration and more ideas for creating your own naturescape.