Landscaping vs. Naturescaping

There are two main types of landscaping seen in America: traditional landscaping and naturescaping. Traditional landscaping changes the place to accommodate the plant. That is, people choose what kind of plants they want, and make their environment and climate accommodate the plant by importing soils, water, and chemical aids. This is the type of landscaping most commonly seen in the United States. The second type, naturescaping, chooses the plant that fits the place. Naturescaping involves plants that are indigenous to one's area.

People all across America have similar landscapes that exist independently of the region they live in, leading to homogeneous household landscaping that is not indigenous to its area. People tend to think that home landscaping can exist independently of the climate, as homes all across the United States have similar landscaping despite greatly varying climates. Because of the need to have healthy lawns and gardens full of exotic plants, the West uses 60% of all its water consumption on lawns, while the East uses 30%.


Benefits of Native Plants

By using plants that are indigenous to one's climate zone you can reduce energy and water waste, saving you money. Using native plants will also create regional diversity, allowing the area you live in to have its own personality.

Native plants are also a member of a larger community of other plants, animals and insects. This community provides a natural balance that allows plants to thrive, yet keeps them from becoming invasive. Native plants also provide food and shelter for other wildlife within the community.

People generally use a number of chemicals, such as fertilizers and weed killers, to "fix" a number of landscaping problems. These chemicals are bad for the environment and the mere fact that your landscaping needs fixing should alert you that your plants are not suited to their environment. Native plants, on the other hand, take care of themselves! They have evolved and adapted to survive on their own, requiring little to no attention from you. They don't need fertilizing or watering except when newly planted, for they have adapted to grow naturally in your area.

Naturescaping is low-maintenance, involves fewer chemicals which improves the health of the environment, saves water, and consequentially saves you money.


Where to Find

To find native plants relative to your climate zone visit www.plantnative.org, which has lists divided by state. Other resources are available online--use a search engine to look up native plants within your state or region, and you will be able to find websites devoted specifically to your area.


Sources:
www.plantnative.org
www.climate-zone.com/climate/united-states/
www.epa.gov/greenacres/
www.for-wild.org/landscap.html