Native or cultivated plants, that is the question. I applaud those who are native purists, but as we’re looking to entice more homeowners to plant with nature, we find that a balanced approach is far more inviting.

Whether you like the order of a block or group planting design, or are ready to adopt the Matrix style of gardening, the key is to plant lush with a divers plant palette. A diverse plant offering is resilient: safeguarding a landscape from tremendous plant loss due to a weather event, pest, or disease. Lush gardens keep the soil cooler, block weeds, and should a plant fail, no worries, you have a garden teaming with plants to carry on the show!

When it comes to plants, embrace what you love.

Gardens planted for nature don’t have to be strictly native gardens, but we can certainly step away from the expected offering of boxwoods, Taxus, and invasive groundcovers. The key to attracting the most pollinators is plant diversity. Great Dixter has an in-depth report on this topic available on their website. Partner your favorite peony with Asclepias tuberosa, add a patch of lantana in front of your native cactus, or create a dramatic swath with Karl Foerster grass and Rudbeckia maxima. Break out of the expected plant offering, embrace the Midwest’s diverse plant offering, and eliminate chemicals. Your enjoyment in the garden will increase tenfold and the bees will thank you!