What is Native Landscaping?

Native landscaping uses colorful native plants, ornamentals, or a combination of the two, to create a natural landscape that manages rainwater while beautifying your yard. Native plants have deep growing root systems that help break up the soil, allowing more water to drain into the ground. Landscaping with native plants helps promote a healthy natural landscape that creates a habitat for local birds, bees, and butterflies. By installing native plants and ornamentals, you can have a beautiful landscape while mowing less.  

Benefits of Native Plants

With reduced irrigation needs and higher survival rates of native plants during drought, you might find yourself buying fewer replacements each year and saving money on water bills. Many improved varieties and hybrids of native species are available that offer ease of care, color, variation, and extensive blooming. Also, you may use fewer chemicals to eliminate pests or promote growth in natural gardens, and that translates into cleaner water and cleaner air for you, your children, pets, and neighbors.

For questions on how to get started with your own native plants, contact the Fresh Coast Resource Center.

Questions about native plant selection and installation: 

• Visit or call the Fresh Coast Guardians Resource Center
• Wisconsin DNR native plants for beginners guide

How do I take care of my native landscape?

• Native Landscaping Care Manual Download

Where can I find Wisconsin native plants?

• Call your local nurseries or the Wisconsin DNR native plant nursery guide.
• Follow us on Facebook for the announcement of our annual rain garden plant sale in January for up to 50% off retail.