Are native plants better to use than their foreign counterparts? Aren't native plants uninteresting or boring? What advantages are associated with landscaping with natives? These questions often arise when reviewing plant selections and landscape designs for both small and large settings. The landscape design pendulum is currently swinging in the direction of "going native", much to my delight. However, being something of a plant aficionado, I must admit that my home landscape is well complemented with both tried-and-true and obscure exotic plants from all over the world. I can't imagine my home plantings not complemented with such specimens as the new Ackerman hybrid camellias or the USDA's hardy Crapemyrtles, both amazingly prospering in zone 5. Who cannot agree that Kousa Dogwoods, Paperbark Maples, Japanese Umbrella-Pines, Callery Pears, Kwansan and Higan Cherries, and a myriad of other exotics, have exceptional beauty and great landscape value? However, some of the most satisfying, easiest to maintain, and yes, ornamental sections of my home landscape are where I've slowly and carefully incorporated native trees and shrubs in association with the existing indigenous vegetation. I've typically assigned my favorite "exotics" specimen status and have sited most within the turfed sections of the landscape where they "compete" with equally showy native specimens such as Sourwoods, Fringetrees, and Redbuds.

I've listed a few brief arguments for utilizing more natives in the landscape:

• Numerous native trees and shrubs have outstanding ornamental value and versatility in virtually all landscape designs. The structural formality of Pagoda Dogwoods or Bald Cypresses, or the informality of native Viburnums and Virginia Sweetspires, the grace and beauty of Nootka Falsecypresses, the spectacular floral display of a mature Sourwood, are certainly comparable and often surpass the landscape attributes of commonly used exotics.
• Most natives are very durable, adaptable to varied growing conditions, and require minimal care if properly sited and maintained. Most have evolved with inherent insect and disease resistance (except where imported pests or diseases are concerned), and are better able to withstand environmental stresses (temperature extremes, drought, wind shears, snow loads, etc.) better than their exotic counterparts.
• Native trees and shrubs, planted in association with representative or compatible indigenous companion plants, will eventually form stable, almost maintenance-free plant communities.
• Most native plants are not invasive.

My home landscaping goal was to duplicate as nearly as possible natural plant communities utilizing a wide variety of ornamental shrubs and trees interspersed among existing native trees, shrubs, and forbs that were selected to duplicate natural plant associations. It is first and foremost a constant learning experience, and continues to be a work in progress. However, when you find that perfect fit, the results is extremely rewarding. Careful site evaluation is key to success, as is taking advantage of the numerous microclimates that exists in virtually every landscape. I consider my efforts successful when knowledgeable plantspeople have to ask if these landscaped areas existed naturally, or did I have a hand in it. Obviously, many of my selections are not indigenous to the area, but I was careful to research, and wherever practicable, visit representative "wild" populations of the plants I was interested in introducing into my landscape. I would diligently note what plants were in association with them, as well investigating and noting many of the site characteristics of the area they were growing in. This would include parameters such as light, moisture gradients and aspects of slopes, soil characteristics. In most cases I was able to closely match, or duplicate those conditions in my home landscape. In a nutshell, my landscaping objective was always to work with, not against, Mother Nature when designing new plantings.

Acquiring native plants for the home landscape is not always easy. Unfortunately, in today's nursery trade, the great majority of the plants prominently displayed in their yards are the ones most in demand. Typically few natives are well represented in their yards. To meet my landscaping needs, my first preference is to collect seed or vegetative stock from wild or landscaped sources (of course with the permission of the landowner). Nothing provides me more personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment than to successfully raise and introduce a seedling or plant grown from cuttings into my landscape. There are many great horticultural references out there for the amateur propagator, with Michael Dirr's being one of my favorites. If you are purchasing plants from commercial sources, do take the time to carefully inspect both the plant and the growing medium before purchasing. There is a lot of poorly grown and poorly cared for nursery stock out there.

Correct planting techniques and follow-up maintenance is critical to successful landscaping. Planting and care standards and specifications have dramatically changed over the last decade. Unfortunately outdated planting methods, as well as post-planting care and maintenance, are still the norm in the landscaping trade. I encourage you to check out the Homeowner's Guide to Organic Landscape Care.