One great thing about change is it can help us reflect on doing better, thinking holistically and sustainably.
And for sustainability, the greatest impact each of us can have is on our own land - maybe change to grow our own food, but certainly to the benefit of the food producers, the water and other natural resources that sustain us and our beloved wildlife - change to grow not more turf or Asian or European exotic ornamentals, but native trees, shrubs, groundcovers, savanna herbs, wetland sedges in swales, and prairie flower strips to pollinate those fruit and veggie foods!
Our Changing Landscape & Environment
Before agriculture and urban development, the Midwest landscape was primarily comprised of prairie vegetation for thousands of years.
Due to large, robust root systems, native plants cultivated rich soil
with high organic content and created space within the ground that
guided rainwater infiltration. The landscape acted similar to a sponge,
easily able to absorb stormwater with little runoff into rivers, lakes, and streams.
In stark contrast, today’s turf and concrete landscapes are impervious and compacted.
Runoff is a common with rainfall and snowmelt, contributing to poor water quality, erosion, and elevated flood risks.
For years, native plants and naturescaping only existed along
waterways, or in wetlands, prairies, and nature preserves. However, as
more people discover the significant benefits they provide over
traditional landscaping, native plant landscaping design has become
common everywhere from parks to residential developments and large, institutional campuses.
Benefits of Native Plantings
In a world where natural habitats struggle to survive, the return of
native plants to everyday landscapes is an aesthetically pleasing change
with unique benefits:
Biodiversity – Native plants promote wildlife
habitats, serving as a crucial source of food and shelter for birds,
butterflies, and other wildlife.
Low Maintenance – Selecting plants that thrive
naturally with the climate and soil conditions of a project location
allows naturescaping to flourish without the use of fertilizers or
pesticides. Native landscapes also rarely need to be watered or cut once
established.
Money Savings – The initial cost of installing a
native plant landscape is comparable to traditional lawn and shrub
landscapes. However, significantly less maintenance time and cost are
involved long-term. The naturescape essentially takes care of itself and
is designed to do so.
Water Quality – Dense, deep root systems of native
plants hold soil to prevent erosion and allow for better absorption of
rainfall, which reduces urban runoff that’s harmful to water quality.
Traditional landscaping typically utilizes synthetic pesticides and
fertilizers. During rain events, these chemicals often run off into
public water supplies causing contamination.
Enhanced Livability
– Colorful, diverse plant material is aesthetically appealing. It also
attracts wildlife and pollinators. An ecologically functional native
plant landscape provides creativity in contrast to sterile, static
landscapes.
Native Landscape Design Considerations
Drawing upon the knowledge and experience of our landscape architects and environmental
scientists, we’re able to guide the success of native landscapes for
our clients. As with any landscaping decision, there are many factors to
consider during the planning process, which are well-known and
practiced by our landscape design professionals.
Design Concept Development
All projects are tailored to meet the needs of our clients and
their individual landscape goals. Through the selection of appropriate
native plants, each landscape is designed to suit the conditions of the
project site.
Site Conditions & Preparation
Site preparation is significantly dependent on existing site
conditions and varies widely from removing invasive plant species to
amending and restoring damaged or compacted soil. Planting and seed
specifications are selected based on many factors including soil, sun
exposure, and climate conditions.
Construction & Planting Plans
Native plantings are typically started in the spring when
temperatures are mild and soil moisture is high to allow for the
greatest chance of survival. However, planting can occur at any time
during the growing season, but a watering schedule may be required.
Dormant seeding in late fall is also an option, when necessary. No
matter what time of year planting will occur, planting plans are created
in phases with varying levels of complexity to guide optimal plant
establishment.
Maintenance
Mowing, weeding, and burning are aspects of initial maintenance
to control invasive species that are often overlooked. We can assist
with the development of maintenance plans to foster the health and
establishment of your naturescape.
Monitoring
It may take anywhere from two to five years for a native
landscape to become well-established. As the naturescape matures,
additions to the site or changes to maintenance may be necessary. We can
provide long-term monitoring and recommendations as the landscape
progresses.
Native Plant Landscape Tips
Keep the following aspects in mind to guide the growth and sustainability of your native plant landscape:
Installation & Establishment
Plant in spring or fall
Tailor seed mixes to individual site conditions
Maintenance is critical for the first three years
Mow multiple times per year from May through September
Regularly remove invasive plants
Long-term Maintenance
Mow to a height of four to eight-inches once a year and remove clippings
Controlled burning is useful for larger areas instead of mowing to
remove undesirable species and increase sun exposure to promote new seed
growth
Remove invasive and unwanted species a few times per yea
