Landscaping with Native Plants: Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space
Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and it's the perfect time to think about your garden. If you live in South Denver, Colorado, you might be wondering how to make your outdoor space beautiful and easy to care for. One great way to do this is by using native plants in your landscaping. Let's explore why native plants are a fantastic choice and how they can thrive in your garden.
What Are Native Plants?
Native plants are plants that have been growing in a particular area for a long time. They are used to the local climate, soil, and other conditions. In South Denver, native plants are those that naturally grow in the Colorado region. These plants are tough and can handle the weather here, which makes them a smart choice for your garden.
Benefits of Using Native Plants
Easy to Care For: Native plants are like the superheroes of the plant world. They don't need a lot of extra water, fertilizer, or special care. This is because they are already used to the local conditions. Once they are planted, they can mostly take care of themselves.
Good for the Environment: Native plants help the environment. They provide food and shelter for local wildlife, like birds and butterflies. By planting native plants, you are helping to support the local ecosystem.
Save Water: In South Denver, water can be scarce. Native plants are used to the dry conditions and need less water than non-native plants. This means you can save water and still have a beautiful garden.
Resistant to Pests: Because native plants have been growing in the area for so long, they have developed defenses against local pests. This means you won't have to use as many pesticides, which is better for the environment and your health.
Beautiful and Unique: Native plants can be just as beautiful as any other plants. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Plus, they give your garden a unique look that reflects the natural beauty of Colorado.
Designing Your Garden with Native Plants
2D/3D Landscaping Design
Now that you know the benefits of native plants, let's talk about how to design your garden with them in mind. Let’s be honest, designing is one of the hardest parts! There are a lot of decisions to make and most of us aren’t professional designers. Here are some steps to get you thinking then we will get more into landscaping design with native plants.
Plan Your Space: Before you start planting, think about how you want your garden to look. Do you want a space for relaxing, playing, or maybe growing vegetables? Decide on the purpose of your garden and plan the layout.
Choose the Right Plants: Research which native plants grow well in South Denver. Some popular choices include the Rocky Mountain Columbine, Blue Grama Grass, and the Colorado Blue Spruce. Make sure to choose plants that will thrive in the amount of sunlight and type of soil in your garden.
Think About Seasons: Choose a variety of plants that will bloom at different times of the year. This way, your garden will have color and life all year round. For example, you can plant early bloomers like Pasque Flower for spring and late bloomers like Rabbitbrush for fall.
Group Plants Wisely: Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together. This makes it easier to care for them and ensures that all your plants get what they need to thrive.
Add Some Hardscaping: Hardscaping refers to the non-plant elements in your garden, like paths, rocks, and benches. These can add structure and interest to your garden. Use natural materials that blend well with your native plants.
Create Habitats: Consider adding features that attract wildlife, like bird baths or butterfly houses. Native plants will naturally attract local wildlife, but these features can make your garden even more inviting.
Designing your yard with native plants involves careful planning and consideration. While a landscaping contractor can help in this area, we want to help get you started. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space:
Step 1: Assess Your Yard
Observe Sunlight Patterns: Spend a day observing how sunlight moves across your yard. Note which areas get full sun, partial shade, or full shade. This will help you choose the right plants for each area.
Check Soil Type: Test your soil to understand its composition. Is it sandy, clay, or loamy? You can use a simple soil test kit from a garden center. Knowing your soil type will guide your plant selection and any necessary soil amendments.
Identify Drainage Patterns: After a rainy day, observe where water collects and where it drains quickly. This will help you place plants that prefer wetter or drier conditions.
Measure Your Space: Measure the dimensions of your yard. This will help you plan the layout and ensure you have enough space for each plant.
Step 2: Plan Your Design
Define Your Goals: Decide what you want from your garden. Do you want a space for relaxation, entertaining, or growing food? Your goals will influence your design choices.
Sketch a Layout: Draw a rough sketch of your yard. Include existing features like trees, paths, and structures. Plan where you want to place new plants, considering their mature size and shape. This is also a great place to note where the full sun hits and where water is draining.
Consider Plant Groupings: Group plants with similar water, sunlight, and soil needs together. This makes maintenance easier and ensures all plants thrive.
Incorporate Hardscaping: Plan for paths, patios, or other non-plant elements. Use natural materials like stone or wood to complement your native plants.
Step 3: Choose Your Plants
Research Native Plants: Make a list of native plants that thrive in South Denver. Consider a mix of trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers for variety and year-round interest.
Select Plants for Each Zone: Based on your sunlight and soil observations, choose plants that will thrive in each area of your yard. For example, place sun-loving plants in the sunniest spots.
Plan for Seasonal Interest: Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. This ensures your garden has color and interest in every season.
Step 4: Prepare Your Yard
Clear the Area: Remove any weeds, debris, or unwanted plants from your yard. This gives your new plants the best chance to establish themselves.
Amend the Soil: If necessary, improve your soil with compost or other amendments based on your soil test results. This provides a healthy foundation for your plants.
Install Hardscaping: Before planting, put in any paths, patios, or other hardscaping elements. This prevents damage to new plants during construction.
Step 5: Plant Your Garden
Follow Your Plan: Use your sketch as a guide to place each plant in its designated spot. Ensure you follow spacing recommendations to allow for growth.
Plant Properly: Dig holes that are twice as wide and as deep as the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil.
Step 6: Maintain Your Garden
Water Wisely: Water your plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Adjust watering based on weather conditions.
Prune and Deadhead: Regularly prune plants to remove dead or damaged growth. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms.
Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for pests and address any issues promptly. Use natural pest control methods whenever possible. For many plants, this could be as simple as using a dish soap and water mixture to keep bugs away without damaging the plant itself.
Enjoy Your Space: Take time to enjoy your garden. Watch how it changes with the seasons and attracts local wildlife.
Native Plants That Thrive in South Denver
Pasque Flower
Fortunately, whether you live in Littleton, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Pines, Castle Rock or Aurora, weather conditions are similar meaning all Colorado native plants will thrive well, it’s more important to pay attention to your specific yard conditions. Here are some native plants that do well in the South Denver climate:
Rocky Mountain Columbine: This is Colorado's state flower. It has beautiful blue and white petals and blooms in the spring. We work with Pine Lane Nursery for most of our landscaping plant needs.
Fine Fescue Grass: This grass is low-maintenance, grows well in shade and drought-tolerant. Great for shady yards otherwise Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular choice among Colorado landscapes (if your HOA allows it).
Colorado Blue Spruce: This tree is perfect for adding height and structure to your garden. It has a lovely blue-green color and provides shelter for birds.
Pasque Flower: One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, it has purple petals and a yellow center.
Rabbitbrush: This shrub blooms in late summer and fall with bright yellow flowers. It's great for adding color when other plants have finished blooming.
Caring for Your Native Plant Garden
Once your garden is planted, caring for it is easy. Here are some tips:
Mulch: Use mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
Prune When Needed: Prune your plants to remove dead or damaged branches. This helps keep them healthy and looking their best.
Watch for Pests: Keep an eye out for pests, but remember that native plants are usually more resistant. If you do have a pest problem, try natural solutions first.
Enjoying Your Outdoor Space
Woman sitting on bench in garden.
With your native plant garden in place, it's time to enjoy your outdoor living space. Here are some ideas:
Create a Relaxing Spot: Add a bench or some chairs where you can sit and enjoy the beauty of your garden. This is a great place to read a book or have a cup of coffee.
Host a Garden Party: Invite friends and family over to enjoy your garden. You can have a picnic, barbecue, or just relax together.
Watch the Wildlife: Spend some time observing the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that visit your garden. It's a peaceful and rewarding experience.
Get Creative: Use your garden as a canvas for creativity. Try painting, drawing, or taking photos of your plants and the wildlife they attract.
By using native plants in your landscaping, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that thrives in the South Denver climate. Not only will you enjoy a stunning outdoor space, but you'll also be helping the environment and supporting local wildlife. So, as spring arrives, get outside and start planning your native plant garden. Happy gardening!