It’s smart to use native plants in any commercial or home garden design. There are many benefits to both institution or home and to the environment. At Hittle Landscaping, we are experts at marrying practicality with innovation. We love using plants native to Indiana in garden design. We invite you to take our more than 40 years of experience and apply it to your landscape plan needs.
Benefits of Native Plants in Garden Design Plans
If you’re unfamiliar, the term “native plants” is used to describe trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers best suited to a specific environment. When we say “Indiana native plants,’ we mean those which grow naturally in Indiana soils.
Because they have adapted to the local environment over generations, they require less water, fertilizer and fewer pesticides. In many cases, they have evolved to defend themselves to local pests, to some degree.
Local wildlife often depends on them for many of the same reasons. In addition, native plants in a garden design help inhibit the spread of invasive interloper species. Invasive species are plants which multiply quickly and can “choke” or “extinguish” other healthy plants.
Often imported, they are free from their natural predator and control mechanisms. This gives them a competitive advantage over native plants. Professional landscaping companies like Hittle Landscaping are familiar with these and will remove them when found.
This preserves your garden design from being overrun by these predatory plants and benefits the local habitat as well.
Indiana Native Plants for Home or Commercial Garden Design
We’re lucky in Indiana to have so many choices of native plants. When planning your garden design for your home or commercial space, be sure to consider these.
Evergreen Native Trees
This list includes the Eastern arborvitae, or Northern white cedar. This tree has a fascinating history as the first North American Tree introduced into Europe. Its bark and foliage famously saved a French crew in 1535 when it was discovered to be a remedy for sailors fighting scurvy. It took the name “arborvitae,” Latin for “tree of life.” It can grow 40 to 60 feet tall, except under cultivation, where it tops out at 30 feet. They grow slowly and can live for 400 years or more.
Deciduous Trees
One example is the Tulip poplar. It boasts a long, straight trunk with a narrow crown which spreads with age. Easily one of the most beautiful and tallest eastern hardwoods, the leaves typically turn a bright gold every autumn.
Native Shrubs
A member of the Birch family, Corylus americana, or American hazelnut grows between six and twelve feet tall. It is a dense variety and naturally creates a thicket. In fall, its colors can turn to a rich wine-red to a sunny yellow. Expect blooms in late spring.
Nectar Plants
Easily a favorite in garden design, nectar plants invite bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. One example popular in Indiana is the Purple coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea. This perennial lasts through multiple blooms of its lavender flowers on two to five feet stems. You may be familiar with Echinacea tea. It’s considered an immune-booster. After blooming, the spiky flower centers will remain and attract birds, like Goldfinches. You can provide food over the winter for birds with these hardy plants.
Garden Design Experts for Residential and Commercial Clients
For home, business or institution, we’re eager to get to know you and listen to your ideas. We’ll bring more than 40 years of expertise in thoughtful landscaping, lighting and architecture to create a garden design customized for you.
Locally-owned and operated, Hittle Landscaping brings our trademark attention to detail to any challenge. To explore how we may beautify and improve your property, call Hittle Landscaping today for a complimentary consultation.
