Landscaping with native plants

Native plants are increasingly used for gardening, landscaping, and restoring and reclaiming native plant communities. They can provide natural beauty, cost-effective landscaping alternatives, environmental services, and habitat for wildlife. This web site provides resources for Minnesotans interested in learning more about how to use native plants.

Native plant resources

• How to use native plants for landscaping and restoration in Minnesota brochure
• Native plant suppliers and landscapers
• Restore Your Shore - online shoreland restoration and protection tool
• Great River Greening - east-central Minnesota native species lists
• Invasive species
• Prescribed fire
• Vascular plants of Minnesota
• Information on transplanting lady's-slipper orchids

Garden designs

Explore five gardens with plants native to Minnesota. Each includes a sample design, an artist's conceptual drawing and a native plant species list. The designs were developed to give gardeners landscaping ideas for the Twin Cities metro area; the species lists may include species not native to or appropriate for other locations. Guidance for using species adapted to specific habitats is available from several of the resources listed above.

• Evergreen shaded garden
• Native shade garden
• Prairie garden
• Suburban garden
• Wet meadow garden