A neighborhood park landscaped with natives including snowberry, thimbleberry, tall Oregon grape and nootka rose

Most landscaping needs can be fulfilled with native plants instead of non-native ornamental species. Planting native plants enhances wildlife habitat, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and preserves the native gene pool. As Aldo Leopold astutely observed, "to keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering." Native plants tend to be disease resistant and low maintenance. Explore the links below for examples of native plants used in the landscape, in place of common ornamentals.