Want to add some beauty to your yard while also doing something beneficial for wildlife? Native plants are a good choice.
These are the plants that, in many cases, were here before settlers moved in. Over the past century, more of the natural landscape has been replaced with development, lawns and even exotic imported species.
Keith Nowakowski is a registered landscape architect in the Chicago area. He points out numerous reasons to go native. From creating a habitat for insects, birds and other animals to conserving water. But he adds the plants also provide natural beauty with vibrant color.
Nowakowski is author of Native Plants for the Home Landscape. Also, the Illinois Native Plant Society lists various plant sales and other information.
