What is naturescaping?

March 26, 2012

What is Naturescaping?

Naturescaping is simply landscaping that works with the natural character of the site opposed to working against it. Both native and non-native species are utilized, and selecting the right plant for the right place is of the utmost importance.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind with your naturescaping efforts:

• Plant species should be tolerant to the urban development found in vacant lots and other public areas (poor soil, drought conditions, etc.)
• Plants should be low in maintenance.
• Plants should be available from sources located in the Midwest, preferably in Missouri.
• Plants should be aesthetically pleasing.
• Plants should be attractive to song birds, butterflies and other desirable wildlife.
• Plants should bloom in a chronological sense to provide beauty and wildlife benefits throughout the year.
• Plants should be relatively safe to grow in neighborhoods.
• Plants should be non-agressive meaning that you want to avoid selecting highly aggressive or weedy species that tend to rapidly spread or produce large quantities of seed that might dominate an area.
• Make the effort to stay consistent with existing hardscape that is common in the neighborhood.
• On flat ground, use new or used bricks, flat or cut limestone, or ornamental rocks of various textures.
• On sloped ground, use a keystone retaining wall system or similar substitute.

The above from sourced from a piece by Dave Tylka. He was the father of naturescaping in Missouri.

Thanks for reading and happy planting!