Landscaping With Native Plants Goes Mainstream

• Energy efficiency: High energy costs have made people seek alternative ways to landscape their yards. Metered city water is increasingly expensive, as is running an irrigation system to water high-maintenance Kentucky Bluegrass sod. To say nothing of the cost of running a lawn mower on a weekly basis! There are many (not all) native plants and grasses that have low water requirements. Purists may want to stick totally with natives, but to add interest and color to an energy efficient landscape; low water-use native plants are successfully combined with a wealth of non-native, drought tolerant species.

• Sustainable living: There is an increased interest in indigenous horticulture as people appreciate Montana for what it is. To create a landscape that’s harmonious with nature they realize the value of letting nature be their inspiration and guide. People in Montana are turning to robust, hardy, beautiful natives that speak “Montana.” Call it “green” or “sustainable” if you will, this lately gone mainstream movement seems the right thing to do. The use of native plants in the landscape has also been encouraged by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a design program whose rating system gives Brownie points for the use of drought tolerant plants.

• Time saver: Low-maintenance gardening is increasingly popular. As mentioned above, using water efficient plants (Xeriscaping) will eliminate much watering, mowing and care. (However, this is NOT to say that using native and other drought tolerant plants is synonymous with “no maintenance.” Newly created landscapes in particular need TLC, often in the form of vigilant, regular watering — even the toughest plants have to get rooted to survive. Effortless landscaping can be a goal, but it comes with understanding.)

Native grass lawns are a low-maintenance alternative, and once established require little watering and mowing. Native grass seed mixes are custom made to fit individual sites so they blend in with surrounding grasses.

Hardscaping with the use of boulders and natural patio or wall stones in the landscape is increasingly popular; native plants marry harmoniously with natural rocks and stones.