One of our favorite documentary series, The Natural Heritage of Indiana, shows the diversity in our state’s natural environment. While labeled a documentary, it classifies as a work of art, in part because of the state’s plethora of natural beauty.  Indiana has sand dunes, prairies, wetlands, hills, canyons, rivers, lakes, caves, woodlands and more. That diversity and beauty in our natural landscape provide us with many native plants to choose from when creating landscapes. The natural landscapes of Indiana inspire us in our designs and practices, as well as in our daily lives.

Native plants of Indiana range from giant oak trees, like the Kyle Oak in our Irvington neighborhood, to the diminutive spring beauty that grows in the shady woodlands. We have an abundance of wildflowers in Indiana and one can find a variety to grow in just about any condition. Whether you have a dry shady spot, a low lying ‘wet feet’ location, or a full sun area with average soil, the state’s bounty has a flower for you. Wildflowers and trees only touch the surface. Indiana also has several ferns, numerous kinds of grass, shrubs, evergreens, and bulbs that can fill in any landscape.

Using native plants in landscaping has numerous benefits. Native plants provide essential food and habitat for wildlife, including birds and insects. Milkweed feeds the monarch butterflies, dogwood and American cranberrybush feed birds and small animals, and flowers provide pollen, seeds, and nectar for insects, birds, and hummingbirds. Feeding the pollinators isn’t just good for them and the plants — the beautiful garden visitors provide enjoyment for us, as well. Another benefit is lower maintenance needs. Plants that have adapted to grow in an environment have lower maintenance needs when planted in the proper conditions, including less watering and pruning. By using natives, you also avoid planting invasive species, which can wreak havoc on our environment.

We have set a goal to use natives as much as possible in our landscape designs. Sometimes, we have clients give us free range and we use all natives. When we need to meet specific criteria for a site or client request, however, like flower color or plant height, we will also use native cultivars and non-native companion plants. We would rather use cultivars and companions than any species that may become invasive and harm the eco-system. You’ll never see us plant the ubiquitous Bradford Pear or the dreadful English ivy. (We have been trying to eradicate ivy from our yard for 20+ years thanks to the previous homeowners. It pops back up from the tiniest bit of missed root.)

Whether you want a formal flower bed, cottage garden, hedge row, border, trees, or anything else, we can use native plants to make your ideal landscape. Contact us for more information on using plants native to Indiana in your landscape.