Increase your biodiversity
The potential each yard or tree lawn has to increase biodiversity in the area is powerful. Join the movement and add your native garden to the map! The goal of the movement is to create “ 20 million acres of native plantings in the U.S. This represents approximately ½ of the green lawns of privately-owned properties.” This movement is a call- to- action to “regenerate biodiversity and ecosystem function by planting native plants and creating new ecological networks.”
native plant finder
Here at Botany we landscape using the “right plant, right place” philosophy. Meaning, we pair plants with the current soil, allowing the plants to thrive without the need for amendments or extensive intervention. This website allows you to plug in the growing conditions of your space such as light, soil type, water, and even desired growing height and gives you a list of native plants suitable for those conditions. This tool takes the guesswork out of what to plant.
south bend wild ones
If you are feeling overwhelmed with where to start when it comes to a new native garden layout, Wild Ones is here to help! They have created guides for beautiful home landscapes for varying growing conditions for our area.This tool includes designs from various landscape architects around the county. The layout will include the number of plants used in a space along with varying growing conditions within a yard.
plug calculator
Once you have decided on a plant list for your space, it's time to calculate how many plants you will need for the square footage. We love using plugs for new landscapes because they are a fraction of the cost of gallon sized plants and will establish much sooner. The plug calculator allows you to type in your square footage or garden dimensions and will calculate the number of plugs needed.
edible landscaping
Creating a resilient landscape that doubles as production may be the perfect approach for small garden spaces. This local nursery offers fruits considered garden staples along with the more unique fruit varieties!
Grow Native Salt Tolerant Plants
The tree lawn, aka parkway aka hellstrip, is a largely overlooked space which we consider a great jumping off point for converting unused grass into a diverse native landscape. These harsher growing conditions are where some of our unsung natives do their best work. This website includes natives which are salt tolerant, something to consider since salt from sidewalks and roadways are likely to end up in the space.
Soil Testing
Learn what’s in your soil and what you need to add for a successful garden and landscape.
Resources from Ohio State University
If you are interested in taking a deeper dive into landscaping with natives, supporting native bees, or supporting native birds, we recommend watching these recorded presentations with further resources from Ohio State University