Natural Landscaping Takes Many Forms

This native landscape was installed on a small city lot. The site is shaded by a large Boxelder tree. The landscape will provide privacy from neighbors, a necessary consideration given the close proximity of the houses, a space to sit and relax and ornamental interest during all 4 seasons. Flowering shrubs and trees were selected both for their visual appeal but also for their attractiveness to birds and butterflies. With the right plants and a good design, bringing nature into, even a urban city lot is easy.

The yard was originially covered with several species of highly invasive groudncovers: Bishop weed and English ivy which needed to be completely removed before the new planting could be installed. The vegetable garden was left for the growing season but will be relocated and replaced with a brick patio.

Species include Pagoda dogwood, Spice bush, Nannyberry, Winterberry, Summersweet, Red chokeberry, Oakleaf hydrangea. Perennial native flowers adapted for both sun and shade were also planted. The perennials provide colorful blooms and nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds during summer.

An area overgrown with Autumn olive and Boxelder was reclaimed. The area will now serve as both a beautiful landscape and a magnet for wildlife.
Large shrubs and trees were place in the rear to screen the fnece while smaller fill in the front. Over time the plants will fill in and provide both shelter and food.

this pge posted February 20, 2009