Addressing the Biodiversity Crisis

With so many environmental concerns worldwide, and with so many fragile plant and wildlife populations declining and facing increasing threats, using Indiana’s beautiful, diverse native plants in landscaping is a way we can all do something to really make a difference.

Gardeners have a unique opportunity. By adding even a few native plants to the landscape we:

  • add to the resources that support wildlife
  • build landscape corridors in our communities to counter habitat fragmentation
  • help stormwater percolate safely into the soil rather than running superheated into rivers and streams
  • garden more sustainably, with less watering and fertilizing
  • create gardens that honor Indiana’s rich natural heritage
  • make gardening easier, because native plants are not finicky

The Hatcher garden in suburban Indianapolis

The Vision: Homegrown National Park™

The importance and opportunities for contributing to conservation efforts through landscaping with native plants is excellently brought together by Dr. Douglas Tallamy in his concept of the Homegrown National Park™. With 83% of U.S. land under private ownership, the potential for ordinary citizens to remedy the decline in biodiversity is enormous.

“… what if each American landowner converted half of his or her yard to productive native plant communities? Even moderate success could collectively restore some semblance of ecosystem function to more than 20 million acres of what is now ecological wasteland.”

What We’re Doing to Help

The INPS Landscaping with Natives Team aims to bridge the disconnect between gardening, landscaping, and ecology, enabling people with any level of experience to contribute to conservation efforts through the use of native plants in their landscapes.

Partnering with Indiana Wildlife Federation, we are building on this concept as a platform to provide accessible, comprehensive information to guide gardeners, HOA groups, and municipalities so that they can successfully incorporate native plants into a wide variety of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

We are currently working to build this site. Please check back soon to access links to the following:

The Science Explained—Detailed scientific, accessible information on native plants and why they are so important.

A Digital Education Series—The centerpiece of the project, a series of short videos guiding through the steps of why and how to use native plants in landscaping.  These videos will be available on our YouTube channel.

Species Information—Updated species pages for each Indiana native, including consideration of ecological value and landscaping and horticultural information

Garden Designs—Sample garden plans for different conditions; plant combination ideas; photos and video virtual tours of mature native plant gardens.

Ecological Garden Maintenance—Landscape practices that respect the relationship between plants and their faunal associates.

Growing Native Plants from Seed—Growing from seed can provide quantity plants for your property at a low cost if you are willing to put in time, effort, and patience. Learn more

Community Gardens—Including native plants in an urban garden setting attracts pollinators to fertilize growing edibles.

Native Plant Use by Indigenous Peoples—Indiana’s first inhabitants made thorough use of Nature’s bounty. Learn more

Material for HOA Boards—A video presentation that residents can present to their HOA boards, along with sample HOA letters and newsletter content. Learn more

For Municipalities—Resources and a digital presentation for municipal leaders.

Answers to Common Questions—FAQs on landscaping with natives plus advice on common problems and obstacles.

Availability & Economics—How and where to buy native plants, including information on resources and grants available. www.BuyIndianaNatives.org

All of this material will be freely available to use and to share. Any questions or feedback will be gladly received at landscape@indiananativeplants.org.