Spotlight Area

"Creating a Nebraska Style Garden"

Featured in the March/April 2003 Newsletter

There are many reasons why one would want to use native plants in a garden. This past year, however, may have provided the most concrete reason of all.

Genetics.

Quite simply, native plants have the genetic makeup necessary to withstand the vagaries of Nebraska¹s weather. Their genetic code has been forged over thousands of years of adapting to and surviving through the harshest prairie conditions. To them, drought is part of Nebraska life.

To us, however, drought means water conservation. Thankfully, Nebraska has a large palette of native plants that require little water, low maintenance, and yet still provides the color, beauty, and diversity we crave in our landscapes. Check out Kim¹s Knee High Coneflower, Kobold Gayfeather, Missouri Sundrops, and Husker Red Penstemon. These smaller perennials will give you ongoing color throughout the season. With its beautiful purple flower, Kobold Gayfeather is an excellent cut flower for indoor bouquets, as well. Good native trees to consider include Kentucky Coffee Tree, Patmore Ash, Bur Oak, Honey Locust, American Linden, and our state tree, the cottonwood.

For shrubs, try Sumac, Coralberry, Redstem Dogwood, and junipers. The dark red stems and white flowers of the Redstem Dogwood can be particularly stunning. For fall color, the Sumac can¹t be beat.

In a state that was once almost entirely covered by prairie grasses, a true Nebraska-style theme just wouldn¹t be complete without some native grasses. Heavy Metal Switchgrass grows to about four feet in height and boasts metallic blue leaves and white flowers. Blaze Little Bluestem grows to about three feet and provides excellent fall color. Experiment planting grasses in large masses while mixing in coneflower or other native perennials.

In Nebraska, we¹re lucky to have such a vast selection of plants that will work in our sometimes-harsh environment. Stop by and we¹d be glad to provide you with consultation in creating a native landscape or simply a more "waterwise" garden.