2
photos. Have a play area for
children.
The plan’s selections rely
heavily on “native" plants
because experience has shown
that they are best-suited for
the wildlife with which they have
evolved. These plants also tend
to be hardier and less
dependent on chemicals than
more exotic species.
However, there are also many
non-native choices which are
good for wildlife, and your final
landscape should reflect what
is pleasing to you.
Although they aren’t
commonly used by the average
person today, the Latin names
of plants are included to avoid
confusion. “Popular" names can
vary greatly for the same plant,
and you will have more success
researching and buying exactly
what you want if you can refer
to the scientific name.
For most people, “space"
brings to mind open areas,
frequently carpeted with green
lawn. While mowed grass can
make a pleasant frame around
a house, it is of little value to
wildlife and should be limited.
Less lawn will also mean less
dependence on herbicides and
less work and expense for you.
Groundcovers offer many
alternatives to traditional lawn,
and often work more effectively
on difficult sites. They can
supply benefits to wildlife and
visual interest to the
landscape.
Some are low and can be
walked on, like thyme (Thymus
vulgaris) or Corsican mint
(Mentha requienii). Others fill an
area with more texture and
height, such as juniper
(Juniperus horizontalis) and
lavender (Lavandula
angustifolia).
Native grasses are also
excellent choices for larger
areas, providing food and cover
as well as all-season interest.
Our habitat plan includes
panic grass (Panicum
dichotomiflorum), but there are
many others including buffalo
grass (Buchloe dactyloides),
One Acre Habitat Design
