The most obvious reason for using native plants in your yard and garden is they belong there. They've adapted to the conditions of the local environment and offer a more carefree approach to tending to your landscape. Our Pacific Northwest plants don't mind our damp chilly winters or our usual long period of summer drought. Additionally, they're more resistant to pests and diseases while offering rewards to those insects and animals that grew up in and around these plants, eliminating your reliance on toxic pesticide solutions. In the Northwest our large number of native plants can easily provide you with a beautiful choice of greenery and color that can maintain it's healthy appearance all year long.  We have a list of native plants currently growing at Meadow Hawk Farm.  Plants marked with an asterisk (*) are native to our site. 

 

Simple Steps to Going Native

 

• Look at your site conditions to establish what plants will do best in your spot. If possible, observe the plants growing wild and do your best to match their type of site.
• Consider environmental conditions such as sun, shade, soil , and moisture.
• Test the soil by digging up some of the ground to understand the soil consistency.
• Arrange native plants in areas of your property that are less traveled to attract more wildlife.
• Consider adding, mounds, wildlife snags, rock piles or ponds.
• Think about replacing some of your lawn where grass grows poorly. Plant natives, perhaps a meadow or ground cover.
• Picture your plant in it's full-grown state when choosing its location.
• Use care when planting, remembering that fall is often the best time to plant.