The choice of landscaping with native plants owes its popularity to more than just the dramatic reduction of the water bill. These plants have a way of growing on you. The natural splendor of the variety of plant species with all their colours and qualities make some of the most beautifully breathtaking gardens. Here are five examples to give you some excellent ideas.
Can plants really save me money?
But before we get to those ideas, you probably want to know HOW they save you money. Here’s a guide:
- Disposing seasonal plants is expensive and wasteful. Year-round native plants will save you money you would otherwise spend every gardening season.
- Native plants are built to live out their full life expectancy – that is, if they’re planted in the right places and watered adequately to ensure their establishment.
- How does this save money? Again, you won’t need to replace them on a regular basis!
- They last in the cold climates, so there will be less maintenance work to spend on when the summer weather rolls around.
- These plants require less water than their counterparts, which saves you money on your monthly water bill.
Ready to start planning out your garden? Take a look at these inspiring photos of gardens making good use of Native plants and learn how to recreate the look on your property. A landscaping and design contractors will have the expertise to help you make the right choices.
Create your very own painted desert view
Transitioning from a lush and thirsty green lawn to rocks and natural stones is a departure from what most of us have known as far as how the garden grows. This Arizona property shows how none of that high-maintenance flora is missed very much. In addition, choosing to grow a selection of native plants allows the fauna to feel more comfortable making a visit. Expect some fantastic bird-watching with this plant life.
Source: Zillow Digs
Less upkeep + cost saving = more fun
It’s easy to get creative with native ornamental grass, blue fescue, echeveria and succulents to fashion the flow of a stream. Swapping out the turf grass for this abstract layout of native grass is a clever way to play with the biodiversity and topography of your garden. Building the plant height as the garden’s edge approaches the street provides balance to support the foliage.
Source: Houzz
Native succulents fascinate the senses
Succulents thrive with less frequent watering than a traditional selection of garden plants. There is less concern for the need of shady, protected areas, so plants don’t burn up as succulents hold their water in reserve. They are available in a wide variety of unusual colors and striking forms. These fascinating specimens of sedums, sermpervivums, sempervivum arachnoideum and jovibarbas are just some of these hardy plants known for their easy-care reputation. Small cuttings are enough to propagate many more plants.
Source: Zillow Digs
Plants, props and proliferation on a budget!
This landscape is creatively designed for the random quality of native plant life. Upon closer examination, it is clear to see the careful arrangement of stones and the ingenious use of an old greenhouse for visual effect. It is dual-purpose, though. Since these plants need no hot-house handling, plants are staged and propagated without the need for glass windows. The terracing provides dynamic depth and opportunities to work with scale and scope.
Source: Houzz
The English country garden made drought-resistant
With a little ingenuity, all needs are met. In this lovely garden, notice how the re-purposed concrete permits limited grass to enjoy without busting the budget. Privacy from the street is achieved by strategically creating a natural screen using the drought-tolerant trees and plants that also frame the landscape design. There is strong suspicion there might be a garden gnome tucked in here somewhere.
Source: Houzz
Here’s a breakdown of how much seasonal plants will cost you in comparison to the native plants that are designed to save you money over time.
| Type of Plant | Cost to Purchase | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Native - Ornamental Grass | $2.99 per pack of seeds | -Let stand in the winter, do minimal trimming in the spring. -Last 3 to 4 years. |
| Seasonal - Roses | $3.99 per pack of seeds | -Require regular watering. -Add fertilizer and manure every season. -Prune every season. |
| Native - Echeveria | $16 for 3 plants | -Water in the summer and spring, but not too much, as the soil will dry out. -Ensure proper drainage. |
| Seasonal - Hydrangeas | $24 per bunch | -Requires a lot of water and the soil mustn't dry out. -Prune immediately after blooming. -Cover the plant in the fall. |
Seasonal plants require the following:
- Extra fertilizer, manure and composting;
- Covering for the winter season;
- Lots of watering.
Where do the savings lie?
- Less water consumption;
- Less money being spent on fertilizer and materials to grow the plant;
- Less money being spent on materials to cover the plants during the winter months.
Ready to get garden-ready? Contact one of our landscaping and design contractors. These experts will advise you on what plants are right for your yard, ones that could potentially save you money long-term.
For more outdoor design ideas and other tips and tricks, head to Modernize.com.
About the Author: Tim Smith is a former contractor who writes about home improvement and energy efficiency topics for Modernize. Tim loves spending time with his family and loves DIY projects.
