Native Landscaping
by: Sally Herbert, Lead Horticulture Assistant – Glass City Metropark

Creating native landscapes is one way to help restore ecosystems and natural habitats and reduce air pollution. Restoration is needed because, over the last century, native habitats have been fragmented and destroyed by urbanization and sprawl of highly manicured lawns. Our human-dominated landscape no longer supports functioning ecosystems, and the remaining isolated natural areas are not large enough to support wildlife. 

Native plants are adapted to the local climate and the soil conditions in which they evolved, which makes them lower maintenance plants as far as home gardening is concerned. They don’t require mowing or fertilizing and they require fewer pesticides than lawns and exotic ornamental plants. Their deep root systems, once established, require less water than traditional lawns, too. By increasing the soil’s capacity to store water, they significantly reduce runoff, and by default, flooding, thus preventing erosion as well. 

Perhaps the most exciting benefit of native landscapes is their promotion of biodiversity by providing food and shelter for insects, birds, and wildlife indigenous to the area. Including native plants in landscapes, lawns and gardens is an easy way to make a positive environmental impact where you are. 

This spring try these Toledo friendly and easy to maintain native plants in your yard. 

Black Haw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) and Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) are two native viburnums that are excellent alternatives to burning bush, easily maintained, and can be planted in spring. Another great low maintenance shrub to plant in the spring is Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). 

For flowers, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) are always favorites. Blazing star (Liatris spicata) and great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) are also great natives for adding some color. Potted starters can be planted in the ground around Mother’s Day weekend, after the last frost. 

Please check metroparkstoledo.com for programming related to native landscaping.