Blog
Learn about native species and ecological landscaping tips from a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
How to Design a Native Matrix Planting
Matrix plantings make fantastic bases for experimentation. The shapes of the landscape change over time and according to the seasons, creating continuous visual interest. They can be easily edited and the density of groundcover plants helps suppress weed growth. In this post, I’ll focus on how to design native matrix plantings for smaller gardens and landscapes.
Bee Lawns and Native Landscaping
Bee lawns serve human functions first and foremost, so they have lower ecological value than a naturalistic landscape of native plants. Native bees are best served by a ground layer with varied height, diverse flowering plants, and patches of bare soil for burrowing. Bee lawns aren’t bad or unimportant. But bee lawns should be reserved for recreation areas and function best when planted alongside native, naturalistic landscaping.