We have always had visions of designing a beautiful backyard oasis with a stunning water feature and lush landscaping.  Problem is ... we have no idea what to plant, when to plant it, where to plant it, or how to plant it.  We're just plant dumb!  Then we came across a great website called PlantNative.com. 

PlantNative.com gives insight on different approaches to landscaping and instruction on planning a site that will work for you.  It points out that most of us have learned to remove native plants, believing they are somehow uncivilized, and replace them with plants that are readily available in local gardening centers.  The site suggests 'naturescaping,' or using native plants that will thrive in the chosen environment, creating a place of beauty while minimizing maintenance and need for fertilizers and pesticides.

The How To / Intro Page  takes you step-by-step through understanding your site, making a plan, preparing the site, planting, maintenance, and more.  It also talks specifically about new homes and designing with wildlife in mind.

There is also region-specific information about trees, plants and flowers that are native to your area.  Here's a link to native plants for the Vancouver WA / Portland OR Area: http://www.plantnative.com/rpl-orwa.htm

Live in another area of the country?  Get information specific to your region at: http://www.plantnative.com/index.htm

Once you've decided what to do with your landscape, the site even offers resources on area professionals and nurseries that can help you make it happen.

Happy planting!

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA