There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from creating a garden that not only looks beautiful but also feels perfectly at home in its surroundings. This is the unique charm of landscaping with native plants. These are the species that have graced the hills, plains, and mountainsides of the Colorado Springs region for centuries, long before any of us called this place home. Choosing to incorporate native plants into your yard is more than just a gardening trend; it’s a rewarding way to create a sustainable, ecologically sound, and truly authentic Colorado Springs landscape. We want to explore the many benefits of going native and introduce you to some of the local stars that can bring natural beauty and resilience to your outdoor spaces.
What Exactly Are Native Plants?
When we talk about native plants, we are referring to species that have evolved and adapted over long periods to the specific climate, soils, and environmental conditions of a particular geographic area. For our purposes, we’re focusing on plants native to the Pikes Peak region or similar ecosystems within Colorado. These plants developed alongside local insects, birds, and other wildlife, forming intricate relationships. We will explain this concept of local adaptation, sometimes called ecotypes, further: it means that a Ponderosa Pine native to our area is subtly different and better suited to our conditions than a Ponderosa Pine from a distant region with a different climate. This local adaptation is part of what makes native plants such a smart choice. They are, in essence, pre-programmed for success right here.
The Undeniable Benefits of Going Native
Opting for native plants in your landscaping offers a host of advantages, both for you as a gardener and for the broader environment.
Water Conservation: This is a big one in our semi-arid climate. Native plants have adapted to our natural rainfall patterns. Once they establish themselves, many require significantly less supplemental irrigation compared to non-native species, especially those from wetter climates. This helps conserve our precious water resources and can lower your water bills.
Low Maintenance: Because native plants are suited to our local soils and climate, they generally tend to be more resilient. They often have better resistance to local pests and diseases, meaning less need for your intervention. This can translate to less work for you and a healthier garden overall.
Supporting Local Wildlife: Native plants are the foundation of the local food web. They provide essential food sources; like nectar, pollen, seeds, and berries; and create habitat for native insects, birds, butterflies, and other animals. For instance, many native insects are specialist feeders, meaning they can only survive on specific native plants. These insects, in turn, are food for birds. A Colorado Springs landscaper who understands these relationships can help you create a vibrant, living ecosystem.
Sense of Place: Native plants help your garden reflect the natural beauty and character of the Colorado Springs region. Your landscape will feel connected to the wider environment, creating a unique sense of place that you can’t achieve with generic landscaping choices.
Reduced Need for Fertilizers and Pesticides: Since native plants are adapted to local soil conditions, they often thrive without the need for much, if any, supplemental fertilization. Their natural resilience also means you’re less likely to need pesticides, which is better for your family, pets, and the environment.
Showcasing Colorado Native Plants: Some Local Stars
Our region is blessed with a diverse array of beautiful and hardy native plants suitable for home landscapes.
Native Trees: Consider the rugged beauty of the Gamble Oak, a smaller, shrubby oak that’s incredibly drought tolerant. The iconic Ponderosa Pine and Colorado Blue Spruce provide evergreen structure and are symbols of our state. For fall color in appropriate settings, Quaking Aspen offers its shimmering golden leaves.
Native Shrubs: Serviceberry is a wonderful multi-season shrub, offering spring flowers, summer berries for birds, and lovely fall color. Woods’ Rose and Golden Currant provide cheerful blooms and attract pollinators. For tough, drought-tolerant options, Rabbitbrush offers late-season yellow flowers, and Three-Leaf Sumac turns brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall. We can help you select some excellent shrub options for structure and wildlife value.
Native Perennials and Wildflowers: This is where you can truly have fun with color and texture. Penstemons, with their trumpet-shaped flowers, come in many colors and are hummingbird favorites. The Colorado Blue Columbine, our state flower, is a must-have for many. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) offers long-lasting, cheerful blooms. Purple Coneflower is beloved by bees and butterflies. Native grasses like Blue Grama or Little Bluestem add fine texture and movement.
Native Groundcovers: For low-growing options, consider Kinnikinnick (Bearberry), an evergreen that provides year-round interest, or various native sedums that are perfect for rock gardens.
Designing with Native Plants
Landscaping with native plants doesn’t mean your garden has to look wild or unkempt; unless that’s the style you prefer. Native plants can be used in all sorts of garden designs, from naturalistic to more formal.
One approach is to try and mimic natural plant communities. For example, if you have a sunny, dry area, you might create a prairie-style planting with native grasses and wildflowers. If your site has more moisture and some shade, you could aim for a woodland edge feel. Native plants are also excellent for rock gardens.
A well-designed native landscape offers year-round interest. By selecting plants with varied bloom times, interesting seed heads, attractive fall color, and good winter structure, your garden can be appealing in every season. You also don’t have to commit your entire yard to native plants all at once. Integrating a few native species into your existing flower beds or borders is a great way to start.
Sourcing and Planting Native Species
As interest in native landscaping grows, it’s becoming easier to find reputable nurseries or growers who specialize in native plants. A knowledgeable Colorado Springs landscaper will often have good sources for locally grown native stock. It’s important to remember that even drought-tolerant native plants will need regular watering during their first year or two to help them get their root systems established. Always consider the mature size and growth habits of native plants when choosing them, just as you would with any other plant, to ensure they are a good fit for your space.
Addressing Common Misconceptions about Native Plants
There are a few common misunderstandings about native plants that we sometimes hear. One is that native plants look “weedy.” While some native plants might look at home in a wildflower meadow, many others are very refined and can be used to create elegant, beautiful landscapes. Good design is key. Another idea is that native plants are hard to find. While this may have been true in the past, their availability is steadily increasing. Finally, some believe natives don’t offer much color. This is simply not true; many native wildflowers and shrubs boast incredibly vibrant blooms.
The Role of Professionals in Native Landscaping
If you’re passionate about creating a truly authentic native landscape, working with landscaping companies Colorado Springs that specialize in or have strong experience with native plants can be very beneficial. They can help with site analysis, design, proper plant selection for your specific microclimate, sourcing high-quality native plants, and correct installation. Their expertise in local ecology can help you create a thriving and harmonious native garden that you will enjoy for years.
Finishing Thoughts
Choosing to landscape with native plants in landscaping Colorado Springs is more than just a gardening choice; it’s an investment in a living legacy. You create a space that is not only beautiful and water-wise but also actively supports the local ecosystem and reflects the unique natural heritage of our stunning region. By welcoming native species into your yard, you bring a piece of wild Colorado home, fostering a deeper connection with the environment around you. We hope this inspires you to explore the incredible world of native plants and the many rewards they offer. For more ideas on sustainable gardening, feel free to browse other articles on our blog.
