Native Gardening

Wild Ginger

Wild ginger, also known as Asarum canadense, is a hardy plant that thrives in USDA zones 3-7. It forms a thick carpet-like covering up to 6 inches high in regions with moderate rainfall and partial to full shade, such as under deciduous trees and shrubs. The rhizomes of the plant spread slowly, effectively limiting the growth of other species, especially invasive species. Its dark crimson, cup-shaped flowers are usually hidden beneath the foliage and attract pollinators including beetles, flies, and ants. The pipevine swallowtail larvae also use wild ginger as a host plant.

Gentian in a Bottle

Gentiana andrewsii, sometimes known as bottle gentian, is a plant that thrives in full sun to moderate shade and requires wet, nutritious soil. It can grow to be 1 to 2 feet tall, with several unbranched stems growing from a taproot. The flower clusters, which resemble miniature bottles, may have an ombre look due to differences in age and exposure. The leaves are up to 4 inches long, elliptical to lance-shaped, and can turn purple in the fall. Although the plant does not supply much food for insects, animals, or birds, it is popular among people due to its peculiar bloom form and color. Only bumblebees and other large pollinators can access and pollinate the nectaries.

Spicebush

Spicebush, commonly known as Lindera benzoin, is a common shrub in Midwest forests that grows in USDA zones 4-9. Its greenish-yellow blooms bloom before the leaves, creating a chartreuse haze in the understory in early April. The plant is best suited for naturalistic plantings or hedges, and its growth habit grows more open with less sun exposure. The oblong ovate leaves, which can grow up to 5 inches long, turn a beautiful golden-yellow in the fall. From late summer to early October, the small, bright red fruits attract a variety of songbirds. This multi-stemmed shrub can reach a height of 10 feet and prefers damp to wet, dark environments.

Echinacea: A Native of the Midwest

Echinacea, sometimes known as coneflower, is a favourite native plant among Midwest gardeners, particularly those in Chicago. This perennial plant is not only beautiful with its vibrant purple petals and unusual cone-shaped center, but it's also very resilient and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for both novice and expert gardeners.

The Allure of Echinacea

Echinacea plants are well-known for their massive, daisy-like blossoms, which come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, and white. They bloom from early summer till frost, providing a long season of color in the garden. Their fascination, though, extends beyond their attractiveness. Echinacea plants are particularly well-known for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, making them an excellent choice for those looking to create a pollinator-friendly landscape.

The Resilience of Echinacea

One of the reasons Echinacea plants are so popular in the Midwest is their hardiness. These plants are exceptionally hardy and can endure a variety of environmental situations, including heat, drought, and poor soil. As a result, they are a fantastic choice for gardeners in Chicago, where the weather may be unpredictable.

The Pale Coneflowe - a Midwest native

Echinacea pallida, sometimes known as the Pale Coneflower, is a species of Echinacea native to the Midwest. This plant's beautiful pink petals cascade from a spiky, cone-shaped core. Like other Echinacea plants, the Pale Coneflower is hardy, drought-tolerant, and attracts a variety of pollinators. It's a fantastic choice for any native garden in the Chicago area.

Bee Balm Is a Pollinator's Paradise

Bee Balm, often known as Monarda, is another popular native plant among Midwest gardeners. This perennial plant is known for its scented foliage and stunning scarlet flowers that bloom all summer.

The Attractive Qualities of Bee Balm

Bee Balm blossoms are thin and tubular in June and July, with 2- to 3-inch-wide flower heads. The blossoms are available in white, pink, crimson, lavender, and purple colors. Its 2 to 4 foot height makes it an excellent background plant in a flower bed.

The Benefits of Bee Balm

Bee Balm is not only visually appealing; it is also incredibly useful to local fauna. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies love its blossoms because they have the long tongues needed to reach the nectar of the tubular flowers. Indeed, some insects, such as bumblebees, have been observed "nectar robbing," in which they punch a tiny hole at the base of the flower to obtain nectar while avoiding pollen.
The seed heads of the Bee Balm plant attract birds in the fall and winter, as well as pollinators in the summer, making it valuable to local wildlife all year long.

Bee Balm Growing Instructions

Growing Bee Balm is straightforward because it is a hardy plant that can survive a wide range of conditions. It grows best in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun, but will tolerate moderate shade. It is also deer resistant, making it an ideal choice for gardens where these animals may come.
Using native gardening services is a wonderful way to create appealing, sustainable landscapes that not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your property but also benefit the local environment. We at Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design are committed to assisting you in creating such surroundings by combining our landscape design expertise with our extensive understanding of the Midwest's unique flora.

Examining Different Types of Native Gardens

Butterfly Gardens

Butterfly gardens are a charming type of native garden that not only adds to the beauty of your area but also helps to conserve local butterfly populations. These gardens contain plants that attract butterflies while also providing nectar and serving as host plants for their larvae. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Bee Balm (Monarda), and Milkweed (Asclepias) are popular plants for butterfly gardens in the Midwest, attracting a wide range of butterfly species.

Wet Gardens

Wet gardens, also known as rain gardens, are created by utilizing natural water collection points in your environment. These gardens can help to control precipitation runoff and erosion while also providing a unique habitat for a variety of wet-loving native species. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) are among the native plants ideal for damp gardens in the Chicago area.

Dry Gardens

Dry gardens, also known as xeriscapes, are designed to thrive in areas with little access to water. These gardens are especially beneficial in locations where water is scarce or for people attempting to reduce their water consumption. Drought-tolerant species that can survive periods of little to no water are common in dry garden native plants. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea), and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) are excellent drought-tolerant plants for the Midwest.

Understanding the many types of native gardens enables you to choose the one that best fits your landscape conditions and personal preferences. There is a native garden design for everyone, whether you wish to attract butterflies, manage runoff, or conserve water. Remember that incorporating native plants, regardless of the type of garden you build, will always benefit the local ecology and wildlife.

The Wave Outdoors' Landscape + Design Approach

At Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design, we believe in creating landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally friendly. We use unique project management approaches to deliver long-term customer satisfaction through our extensive range of expert outside construction, landscaping design, and maintenance services. From yard grading to landscape architecture, we serve both residential and commercial clients of all sizes.

Our Core Values

Our top priority is to provide high-quality landscape design, clear and timely communication, and a pleasant working environment. We believe that a well-designed landscape may significantly increase the aesthetic appeal of your property while also benefiting the surrounding ecosystem.
Our Services and Products
We offer a wide range of services, such as general landscaping, landscape planning, paving and patios, retaining walls, seat walls, irrigation, natural stone, snow removal, bluestone patios, carpentry work, pergolas and gazebos, fire pits and fireplaces, and outdoor grill islands. We also do gardening, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, deck installation, masonry, stormwater drainage, grass care, 2D & 3D rendering, garden planting, garden improvements, and general landscaping.

The Benefits of Native Landscaping

There are numerous advantages of using native landscaping: It promotes biodiversity, conserves water, reduces upkeep, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife. Furthermore, because native plants are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, they are more hardy and use fewer pesticides and fertilizers.
Including Native Landscaping in Your Initial Design We at Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design believe in embracing native landscaping from the beginning. We provide landscape design and planning in both 2D and 3D formats, ensuring that native plants are smoothly integrated into the design and compliment other outdoor aspects.

Native Gardening & Outdoor Features

Native plants can be used to complement other outdoor features such as patios, decks, and outdoor lighting. They can be used to provide stunning aesthetic effects, provide shade, and even act as natural privacy screens.

Using native gardening services is a wonderful way to create appealing, sustainable landscapes that not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your property but also benefit the local environment. We at Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design are committed to assisting you in creating such surroundings by combining our landscape design expertise with our extensive understanding of the Midwest's unique flora.

FAQs

What are some of the most popular native species utilized in Chicago landscaping?

Natural plants for landscaping in the Chicago area include wild ginger, bottle gentian, coneflowers, and spicebush.

What services does Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design offer?

Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design offers landscape design, gardening, hardscaping, outdoor lighting, deck installation, masonry, stormwater drainage, turf management, 3D rendering, and other services.

How does Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design utilize native flora into its designs?

At Wave Outdoors Landscape + planning, we incorporate native plants from the start of the planning process. We ensure that native plants are seamlessly integrated into the design, complementing other outdoor elements.

What are the benefits of natural landscaping?

Native landscaping promotes biodiversity, conserves water, reduces maintenance, and provides habitat for native species. Native plants are also more hardy since they are adapted to local soil and temperature conditions.

Can native plants be combined with other outdoor features?

Yes, native plants can complement other outdoor features such as patios, decks, and outdoor lighting. They can be used to provide stunning aesthetic effects, provide shade, and even act as natural privacy screens.

How can Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design assure client satisfaction?

Wave Outdoors Landscape + Design uses cutting-edge project management methods to assure long-term customer satisfaction. We offer a comprehensive range of expert exterior construction, landscaping design, and maintenance services. We work with both residential and commercial clients, and we make sure that every project exceeds their expectations.