Green Horizons

Naturescaping is landscaping based on nature's model - local, native nature, that is. While exotic horticultural favorites can add instant color to your spring and summer landscape, they can't sustain native wildlife the way native flowers, shrubs, vines, grasses and trees can. These species are adapted to Missouri's soils and climate, and they are an irreplaceable part of many native animals' life cycle.

So if you want more birds, butterflies and other fun-to-watch wildlife in your yard, plant more native plants.

Attend a naturescaping workshop

Several nature centers around the state offer a naturescaping workshop between January and May. Most include a native plant sale.

Explore web resources and print publications

The Grow Native! website (www.grownative.org) is designed to help you learn about Missouri's rich array of landscape-worthy native plants and how to use them to create beautiful landscapes on your property. Explore the site to discover the many benefits of well planned native landscaping.

Go to www.mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/homeowners/ naturescaping to access two free online publications, Native Plants for Your Landscape and Butterfly Gardening and Conservation.

Submitted by Peter Maki, forestry communication specialist at Top of the Ozarks Resource Conservation & Development.