The wildlife-loving Master Gardener homeowner inherited a landscape consisting largely of non-native ornamentals with a few native trees and other plantings including: a beautiful maple, an American Elm, a flowering dogwood, and a mature bed of healthy and vigorous Christmas ferns. A landscape-wide renovation began in Spring 2021 to replace many of the non-native species with Missouri natives.
The overall plan will build a multi-level canopy, control erosion and stabilize soil in select areas, manage stormwater and maximize wildlife habitat potential. Some areas have been entirely replanted, some beds are a blank canvas, and some established areas are being modified. If you are going through a similar overhaul or simply interested in seeing a variety of planting conditions in a smallish suburban space, there’s plenty here to inspire.
