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Begin at the Beginning: Create a Garden
- Joy VanderLek
- Mar 8
- 2 min read
You want to create a native plant garden? Don’t get overwhelmed.
There are plenty of reliable resources to help you along.
Don’t worry about doing it all at once. You can start with a small area or even just add one plant to an existing garden.
Our group has been guided by award-winning landscape designer Kathy Connolly. She has worked up the planting plan for all of our gardens. Here are a few suggestions we’ve learned from Kathy, or by doing for ourselves, and what we’ve learned from others along the way:
Plant Native whenever and wherever you can. Our focus must be on supplying insects, pollinators, birds and wildlife with the native plants they need to survive.
Gardens are meant to be played in. You don’t just plant and you are done. Gardens are in a constant state of evolution.
Right plant. Right place. First see what the plant needs (moisture, sun, etc.), then plant.
If the plant doesn’t thrive where you put it in, move it, and try a different plant.
There are different ways to prepare the area you want to plant. Cheshire Pollinator Pathway always uses the no-pesticide method, smothering with cardboard, or gardening paper. You can also scrape or use a sod-cutter. Do not use fabric landscape or plastics of any kind.
Planting up against the foundation of your house is so 1950s. It’s not recommended anymore. Don’t be afraid to push your garden out and away from the foundation. It’s better for your home, too.
Anchor plants help you visualize what your garden can become. Think shrubs and trees. Use them to pin your ideas for a garden.
When you plant a tree, add in plants around the base at the same time. This way you won’t forget, and insects /caterpillars will have soft landing base plants when they fall. To keep from harming the tree's development, underplant with plugs or smaller perennial plants, and set approximately two feet away from the trunk.
If you plant milkweed for monarchs (please do) plant it on the perimeter of your garden, with access positioned north and south so butterflies can easily access. Make sure the plants do not touch and that there is plenty of room for the butterflies to maneuver.
Plant flowers in odd numbers (3, 5, 7, etc.). Planting in masses or drifts is more attractive than in a straight line (example: plant in triangle shape and fill in).
Plant for all seasons from spring to summer to fall. Spring and Fall are crucial to pollinators and wildlife.
Add to your garden's appeal with walking paths (grass or gravel), birdhouses, birdbaths, fencing or artwork.
Do look at design books and websites. Do sketch out your ideas. Do make a garden that makes you happy.
Need to see garden design plans? Here are two good sources:
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