Blended Landscapes: Taking the First Step Toward a More Ecologically Beneficial Garden

New to native plants? Starting small is often the easiest and most successful approach. Adding a few native plants to an existing garden bed, replacing a section of lawn, or choosing natives for a new planting area allows you to experiment and learn what works best in your space. Even a handful of native plants can make a meaningful difference by providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while improving soil health and water infiltration.

While the New Leaf Natives team is pro “kill your lawn,” we understand that starting small makes change more approachable, allowing folks to support local ecosystems while keeping landscapes that are welcoming and widely accepted.

Blended gardens offer a practical, flexible way to incorporate native plants into traditional, ornamental landscapes without requiring a complete redesign or strict adherence to a “natives only” approach. By thoughtfully mixing native species with existing non-invasive ornamentals, gardeners can create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and ecologically supportive.

Unlike traditional landscaping with non-native ornamentals that offer little to no ecological benefit, native plants bring a wide range of ecological support to your landscape. Because they evolved in local conditions, native plants are typically more resilient to regional weather patterns, require fewer inputs once established, and support native insects and other organisms that ornamental plants often do not. Deep root systems help stabilize soil, manage runoff, and build long-term soil structure, all while contributing seasonal beauty through flowers, texture, and form. Natives provide essential food and habitat for a variety of pollinators and wildlife.

That said, creating a blended garden doesn’t mean you have to be a purist. There’s room for your favorite perennials, shrubs, and design elements that make a garden feel personal and inviting. The key is to avoid planting invasive species, or plants that spread aggressively and displace native ecosystems.

Blended gardens also allow for intentional design. Native plants can be used as structural anchors, groundcovers, or focal points, while ornamental plants add contrast, color, or extended bloom time. This mix can help native plants feel more familiar and accessible, especially for gardeners who are new to them or working within established landscapes.

Over time, many gardeners may find that natives naturally become a larger part of their plant palette. As confidence grows and the benefits become more visible (more pollinators, healthier plants, less maintenance) it often feels natural to add more. But even small steps matter. Choosing natives when you can, avoiding invasives, and designing with intention all contribute to landscapes that are both beautiful and beneficial.

Native Plants That Support Pollinators and Please Neighbors

Flowering native perennials are often the easiest way to introduce native plants into ornamental beds. Popular plants such as coneflowers (Echinacea spp,), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), flowering onions (Allium spp.), and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) offer familiar forms and bright, cheerful blooms that blend seamlessly with traditional garden styles. These plants provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while maintaining an intentional appearance when planted in groups. Using natives in small drifts or repeated clusters helps create visual cohesion and makes plantings feel purposeful rather than wild. 

Incorporating native grasses and low-growing plants adds texture and structure while supporting insects that rely on grasses for shelter and reproduction. Grasses like little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), prairie dropseed, (Sporobolus heterolepis) or native sedges provide soft movement, seasonal color, and a clean, familiar look that pairs well with ornamental plantings.

Groundcovers such as wild strawberry (Fragaria spp.) or native creeping phlox can be used along edges and pathways, offering a finished appearance while reducing weeds and supporting early-season pollinators.

Native shrubs are another effective way to anchor blended gardens. Serviceberry, Ninebark, and Viburnums offer flowers, berries, and fall color while fitting comfortably into residential landscapes. These plants provide food and shelter for birds and insects and contribute to the layered look common in traditional garden design. Placing native shrubs where structure is needed along property lines, fences, or as background plantings helps integrate them naturally and keeps gardens looking intentional throughout the year.

Designing With Neighbors in Mind

For many gardeners, visual acceptance matters. Choosing natives with upright growth, predictable forms, and seasonal interest can help blended gardens feel approachable and well cared for. Clear edges, mulched paths, and intentional spacing all signal that the landscape is designed, not neglected. 

Blended gardens succeed when native plants are matched thoughtfully to the site and design goals. Starting with familiar-looking, high-performing species allows gardeners to support pollinators and local ecosystems while maintaining the beauty and order people expect from ornamental landscapes.

Over time, these initial choices often build confidence and open the door to experimenting with a wider range of native plants. But even a few carefully selected species can make a lasting impact, creating gardens that are both welcoming and ecologically meaningful.

Want to get started but don’t know where to begin? Contact New Leaf Natives landscaping division to request a free site visit to determine if our services align with your landscaping goals