Across the country, more and more people are discovering the satisfaction of landscaping their homes with native plants. Many native plants are attractive ornamentals and adapt easily to local gardens. Now you can easily create a woodland, wetland, or meadow in your own back yard.

Native plants are those that evolved naturally in North America and which occurred within the state before humans introduced plants from distant places. Native plants typically grow in communities with species adapted to similar soil, moisture, and weather conditions. Native plants include ferns, grasses, flowering perennials, woody trees and shrubs.

Native plants are naturally adapted to perform well in our local climate. They require less water than most non-natives once they are established and resist native pests and diseases better. Many help to enrich the soil. Their root systems help rainfall percolate into the soil, reducing erosion and runoff. A side benefit of using native plants is that they improve water quality by needing less fertilizer and no pesticides.

Many native plants attract beneficial insects which help control pests, creating habitat for "good bugs." Native plants also provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat favored by our local wildlife. This can help you make your garden a sanctuary for songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other desirable wildlife.

Native plants are fairly easy to care for. Using slow release or (preferably) organic fertilizers will keep plants healthy without providing a flush of nutrients that would give weeds a competitive edge. As with any other plants in your garden, keeping the soil covered with mulch will keep your plants happy and provide some extra control of weeds. When landscaping with native plants, it is important to choose plants that will grow well in your garden: wet or dry, shade or sun, acid or neutral soil.

Native plants not only suit today's interest in low maintenance gardening but they also can provide us with a tangible link to the past. Many species have reported value as food, medicine, textiles and other domestic purposes.

There are a number of hardy perennials and ornamental grasses that won't be easily damaged when the salt truck comes by. We have divided them up into two categories: those with a high salt tolerance and those with moderate tolerance.

Highly Tolerant Perennials:
You can start with aster, columbine, dianthus and goldenrod (Solidago). Daylilies seem to adapt almost anywhere and definitely make this list. There are also some excellent ornamental grasses including 'Karl Foerster' reed grass (Calamagrostis), maiden grass (Miscanthus) and muhly grass (Muhlenbergia).

Moderately Tolerant Perennials:
This is a larger list that can really add some wonderful textures and colors to an entryway garden. Consider combining 'Silver Mound' artemisia, candytuft (Iberis), foxglove, peony, baby's breath, phlox, creeping phlox, bellflower (Campanula), Lenten rose (hellebore), coral bells (Heuchera), bearded iris, 'Autumn Joy' sedum, Russian sage, prairie mallow (Sidalcea), sea thrift (Armeria), and yarrow (Achillea).

For more variety with grasses consider planting 'Elijah' blue fescue (Festuca), ribbon grass (Phalaris), panic grass (Panicum), blue oat grass (Helictotrichon), and fountain grass (Pennisetum).

There are definitely a few perennials that have absolutely no salt tolerance and those include coneflower (Echinacea), hosta, narcissus, and any variety of thyme. Another great tip is to treat the area prior to planting with an application of aluminum sulphate and then follow up with a treatment at least twice a year.

With our days getting cooler, many trees are beginning to show their spectacular fall color. Autumn is a great time to plant trees because the ground is still warm enough to promote root growth without the stress of summer heat watering requirements. Plus, a tree planted in fall will be able to take advantage of winter and spring rains and be fully established by next summer, enabling you to benefit from the cooling effect provided by its shade.

When planting your tree, consider how it might provide the maximum shade effect for your home. A shade tree planted on the east side of your home will block the heat from the morning sun. Planting on the west and/or southwest side of your home shields the hot afternoon sun. And finally, a tree planted on the south side of your home can provide year-round sunblock protection. All three examples will help to keep your home cooler in the summertime.

If you select a deciduous tree, you will benefit in the winter from the opposite sun shielding effect. Minus the foliage, the sun's rays can shine through the empty branches and help you warm the inside of your home. You certainly can't argue with that!

Along with the energy benefits, shade trees provide beauty to your landscape year-round. They offer habitats to birds, squirrels and other backyard urban creatures. Trees increase the value of our homes and the beauty of our neighborhoods. They also give back oxygen to our environment. If you choose a deciduous tree, pick one with majestic winter form.

When you plant your shade tree, do not plant it too close to your home, patio or walls. Remember, many of the best shade trees grow to heights of 30-50 feet and taller, which means they will also have a good spread and substantial root systems. So come on in, and our staff of nursery experts will help you pick out the perfect shade tree(s) for your home. Then get ready to enjoy their fall foliage and the pleasing shade they will provide for many summers to come!