Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a native plant?
The U.S. Forest Service defines native plants a “species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat. Species native to North America are generally recognized as those occurring on the continent prior to European settlement.” Midwest Native Landscaping focuses on maximizing the number of plants native to the lower midwest, particularly Kansas and Missouri.
Can you garden with native plants?
Yes! Native plants are wonderful additions to residential and commercial landscapes. Having evolved in our midwest region for thousands of years, native plants are particularly suited to our climate and rainfall, often making them easier to care for than plants from other continents. Native plants also provide important ecological services when it rains: the plants’ deep root systems can filter water and slowly percolate it back into the ground, keeping sediment and harmful pollutants from entering our waterways. Not to mention that they can be absolutely gorgeous in many seasons if chosen wisely!
Will my homeowners association (HOA) allow native landscapes in my yard?
Midwest Native Landscape works with clients to make sure our designs meet the expectations of any applicable municipal and/or HOA regulations.
Will a native plant garden attract pests and ruin my outdoor experience?
While it is true that plant species native to the midwest provide food to for native bees, butterflies, and other insects, there are ways to minimize any disruption to your family’s outdoor enjoyment. One benefit of having a diversity of native plants in the yard is that it creates a competitive environment for insect species, helping to ensure that populations stay balanced. There are also simple design solutions that can allow your garden to feed the bugs, bees, and butterflies without them taking over your outdoor space. For example, eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito larva, keeping plants that bees and wasps love away from high-traffic areas (or not including them at all), and providing cover for birds that eat insects. In fact, one of the greatest benefits of planting native species will be noticing how many beautiful song birds are attracted to the bounty of caterpillars in your yard that they feed on during the warm months!
What does the initial consultation process look like?
When you reach out to Midwest Native Landscapes for a quote, we will schedule a time that works for you to visit your property and discuss your landscaping vision. This will take 15 – 60 minutes, depending on the size of the project. Before arriving, we will send you a questionnaire to fill out that will give us a better idea of your landscaping goals. The on-site consultation will include assessing the site, taking a lot of pictures, talking about design ideas, outlining practical considerations, and answering your questions.
After the consultation, Midwest Native Landscaping will work on developing a garden design that takes into account your values and certain design principles, an estimate for the cost of installation, and options for ongoing maintenance. We will meet a second time to present our ideas and discuss how you would like to move forward.
Can I still keep the hostas and other non-native plants I love in my yard?
Of course! Our goal is make sure your vision and values are reflected in your landscape. For many people, the plants in their yards hold sentimental value (imagine the peony and iris tubers that have been passed down through the generations!). We are dedicated to preserving the parts of your yard that hold special meaning, while introducing native plants to build a strong plant community in your landscape. It is very likely that, down the road, the redbud tree, fragrant sumac, wild indigo, aromatic aster, and other midwest native plants will come to hold a special space in your heart as well!
However, our emphasis is on promoting the use of native plants because of their incredible ecological benefits. If that is not a significant part of your design goals/values then we can refer you to other landscaping companies that may be able to assist you.
Does Midwest Native Landscaping provide mowing services and snow removal?
Typically, no. Our focus is on using our horticultural expertise to help homeowners establish more native plants in their landscapes. Think “garden” rather than “lawn.” While we do work on projects like converting a conventional lawn into native buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides), we do not provide regular mowing services or remove snow in the winter. The occasional use of a mower or string trimmer could be part of our bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly garden maintenance services that we provide after installation.