1 | Start with Native Wildflowers
Native flowers like Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, and Butterfly Milkweed are excellent choices for adding color, attracting pollinators, and supporting local wildlife. Begin by planting a few of these species in a garden bed or along the edges of your lawn.
2 | Replace Non-Native Shrubs with Native Varieties
Replace common ornamental shrubs with native options like Wild Hydrangea, Spicebush, or Serviceberry. These native shrubs are low maintenance, provide food and shelter for birds, and have stunning seasonal blooms. They are also drought-tolerant once established and better adapted to the local climate. Native shrubs often have deep roots, helping with soil erosion and water retention.
3 | Create a Pollinator-Friendly Space with Native Grasses
Add a variety of native grasses, such as Little Bluestem or Switchgrass to your landscape. These grasses provide structure, create movement in the garden, and are fantastic at supporting pollinators and wildlife. A small patch of native grasses can be a great way to start without overwhelming your landscape. Plant grasses in groups for a more natural look and to help control wind and water erosion.
Switchgrass David J. Stang CC BY-SA 4.0