At Eagleson Landscape Co., enhancing the natural beauty of your backyard is not just our tag line, it’s how we approach each and every landscape design project. Our intention is to work within the environment we are given, which means ensuring we use plants that work well in that climate. We love to include native species in our designs, but it must be noted that “native” is in the eye of the beholder. The definition can vary from native to the micro-climate in a yard to native to our country. Each homeowner must know how s/he defines native and then seek out a nursery that supports that viewpoint. Our approach to using natives is first, do no harm by planting species that support the local ecosystem, and second, provide the look and functionality our client wants. Unless someone has a narrow focus for the type of native plants they would like us to use, we go about implementing a design with a broad brush.
We wanted to offer a list of our favorite plants native to Indiana, and have done so below. However, we do this with a large caveat – just because a plant is on our list does not mean it will work in all Indiana yards. Woodland, prairie, wetlands – there are many types of ecosystems in Indiana and each supports different kinds of plants. The varieties you find in your local nursery have been stocked because they are tolerant of many conditions. Most natives are picky about where they live because they are just like animals and people; their ability to thrive is based on the environment they are in. If you moved a bunch of wildflowers from your front yard to your back yard, they probably would not survive without a lot of care because they have become accustomed to that specific space where they originally evolved. Plants like to be where they have naturalized. So, we suggest you take a look at our list and if you are interested in having any of these species in your landscape, give us a call. We will be able to offer advice as to the viability of your situation.
Trees Native to Indiana:
Flowering Dogwood and Pagoda Dogwood
Oaks, Hard Maples, Hickory
Eastern Arborvitae
Shrubs Native to Indiana:
Arrowwood Viburnum
Serviceberry
Common Ninebark
Virginia Sweetspire
Perennials Native to Indiana:
Christmas Fern
Ostrich Fern
Butterfly Weed
Coneflowers
Another note – as you shop for plants native to Indiana, you may be hindered by what is available. Growers grow what people buy and people buy what growers grow. However, we have seen an evolution in customer expectations over the last 30 years of business, with people becoming more aware and wanting to be more responsible in their plantings. They still want low maintenance too. Natives can be a part of this equation and nurseries are beginning to respond. Now to get HOAs to buy in – that is a whole other blog post! Questions? Give us a call at (317) 997-4803 or send us an email.
