It’s always important to plant the right tree, flower or shrub in the right place – a place where it can thrive. Missouri native plants give you an advantage because they have lived in our region even before people settled here. They also provide food and shelter for important wildlife such as birds, bees, butterflies and insects.
A garden planted with Missouri natives is a sustainable landscape which will become easier to care for as it matures and will save you money on water, fertilizer, pesticides and labor.
Brightside’s garden is planted with native trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses based on their natural habitat. Come learn about the different garden areas including rain garden/wetland, glade, prairie, woodland and butterfly garden. Interpretive displays will help you determine which areas are most like the garden space you are planting.
Planting the right tree in the right place saves money and lives. Although trees reduce energy needs, they can disrupt electric service during storms and cause dangerous downed power lines. Only trees which will stay under 25 feet tall should ever be planted near power lines. In Brightside’s Demo Garden we have planted button bush and fringetrees under power lines along the fence. These trees will stay small enough to not interfere with the power lines and cause any power outages.
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Always be sure to select the right plant for the right place. Sun-loving flowers should be planted in areas that get full sun for at least 6 hours each day. Rain garden plants can be planted in low lying areas where rain puddles or you can dig out an area and direct a downspout into the depression to create a rain garden. Be sure to select plants appropriate for your soil type. Of course, don’t plant any trees under power lines that will interfere with the lines. Only small trees and shrubs should ever be planted near power lines.
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Forest ReLeaf of Missouri provides free trees to communities, schools and nonprofit properties.To learn more about planting the right tree in the right place visit Ameren Missouri or see the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Right Tree Right Place guide.
Before you dig, always call Dig Rite to have them mark the areas to make sure you don’t hit any underground utilities. Call them at 1-800-Dig-Rite (1-800-344-7483) or call 811 or go to www.mo1call.com. There is no charge for this service and they generally just need a few days’ notice. Be safe!
Find the best plants for your yard or garden:
To find ‘naturally resilient plants for naturally beautiful landscapes’ check out Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native website.
Missouri Botanical Garden’s plant finder is also a great resource to find Missouri native plants that meet your needs.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is a great resource – learn about trees, shrubs and vines and wildflowers and grasses.
Learn about all of the wonderful benefits trees provide through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Trees Work campaign.
Check out i-Tree Design to find out more benefits of trees. Just follow the steps — enter your address, place your tree and click estimate benefits.
Photo credit: Perry Eckhardt