Native urban landscapes are in sharp contrast to many of their manicured counterparts, most of which are monocultures of lawn punctuated with a sentinel tree and a few trimmed bushes.
While typical urban landscapes use a limited palette of native plants, most native landscapes include a wide variety of species. Used in sites like their natural communities, problem-solving native plants are multi-season beauties and low-maintenance workhorses. These interesting plants create diverse landscapes that change their appearance year-round. Native plants evolved in their natural communities within geographic regions over time. Because of that, they have important relationships with local wildlife.
If you want to create a sustainable landscape and help wildlife thrive, providing food, shelter, and a safe space for them to raise their young is crucial. Flowers provide nectar and pollen. Fruit, seeds, and small insects offer vital nutrients and protein. Densely branched trees and shrubs provide cover. Native gardeners know that part of the beauty of their landscapes is that they’re alive with pollinators, birds, and other watchable wildlife.
But here’s another secret that native gardeners know: You can help your landscape’s wildlife value soar by working less to tidy up in fall.
Even in winter, when we don’t see pollinators, we are surrounded by them. Native bee queens and larvae of many butterfly and moth species hibernate like bears. Beneficial insects, like lady beetles, are also sustained. They need our help to survive until warm spring days. One way to assist these sleeping pollinators is to ‘leave the leaves‘ – at least some of them. Standing stems provide essential shelter places for non-migrating pollinators to hibernate. Rethinking fall cleanup can help reduce your impact on the environment. By not sending organic materials to landfills, you can enrich your soil without chemicals and feed the microorganisms.
And here’s a bonus: When hungry lady beetles wake in spring, they’ll be ready to attack aphids in your garden. Many of the benefits of this natural approach will be hard to see. And while it may be challenging to observe the positive ecological impact you are making, trust us, you’ll make a huge difference!
And if you plant winter or cover crops or plan to divide or move perennials, dig with care and stay shallow. Soil disturbances under six inches are less likely to disturb native bee nests—about 70 percent of all bee species nest in the ground, often in yards and garden beds.
So, how do you make the messy landscape fit in with your tidy neighborhood year-round? Here are a few tips:
1) Show intention – Frame your landscape beds with lawn strips and leave space between perennial groupings. Keep clean lines of sight. Use masses or drifts of a single species rather than one of everything. All this creates design rhythm and visual impact.
2) Incorporate different plant heights and types—Mix woodies and perennials. Mix tall native shrubs with shorter perennials, grasses, and clean edges. Height variation is more attractive and provides support to diverse wildlife.
3) Use hardscaping and containers. Key items define space and create different levels. Add color (even white!) and texture.
4) Spread the word – Let your neighborhood in on your mission. Chances are, a little education will bring understanding. And maybe a few converts.
For all your native landscape needs, from trees to wildflowers, see Forrest Keeling, where the best native plants begin.