Native shrubs for structure
Low water, high impact. Add structure with easy-care natives.
Beginner friendly
Grow a thriving cottage garden with native plants
Discover simple, soil-friendly practices that celebrate local flora. This guide focuses on easy-to-source native plants, seasonal tips, and beginner-friendly layouts to create a welcoming garden that supports wildlife and blooms year-round.
Tips and guides for native plant gardening
Plan with the seasons
Map bloom times and habitat needs. Group natives by sun, soil, and moisture to create simple, thriving patches.
Soil first
Test and amend soil gently with compost and mulch. Native plants often tolerate local soils better than imported mixes.
Water smart
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Water early morning and mulch to reduce evaporation.
Wildlife welcome
Include pollinator flowers and native grasses to support birds and insects year-round.
From the magazine: native picks and garden stories
Meadow margins
Create informal borders that thrive with local pollinators.
Herbaceous focus
Annuals and perennials that re-seed softly in the garden bed.