Nature sometimes needs very little intervention. It is an unwanted intervention that is sometimes the downfall of what nature can create all by itself. Native plants and natural landscaping provide an ecosystem that when left to its own devices, can pretty much thrive on its own.

While much of nature can figure things out for itself, you can play an important role in your very own backyard in sustaining our vital ecosystems. If you are considering redesigning your backyard, using native plants and natural landscaping is a wise choice indeed. Not only will you be doing a good deed for Mother Nature, you will also reap the benefits of your own private ecosystem oasis right on your doorstep.

What Is Involved: From Beginning to End

Natural landscaping does not just involve nice plants, tall grasses, and a lily pond. No, natural landscaping needs several components to it in order to survive and thrive:

• Microorganisms
• Minerals
• Nutrients
• Water
• Air
• Leaves, twigs
• Plants
• Insects
• Birdlife
• Wildlife

As you can see, there is more than meets the eye to just simply redecorating your yard with pretty plants and flowering shrubs.

The Lay of the Land

First, you need a good design for your natural landscape oasis. Seeking the advice of a professional is always helpful, as you will need to know where to plant your oasis, what types of soil you will need, and how to get water to that section to properly care for your garden oasis.

The best type of soil will probably be a complex soil that contains microorganisms, minerals, and nutrients. Learning how to make compost is also beneficial to the process. Soil becomes the foundation of your natural landscape design.

First Soil, Then Plants

The plants that you choose should of course be attractive in their natural beauty, but moreover should incorporate space for the ecosystem to continue. Various groups of plants grow alongside other plants and have similar needs as part of a similar community.

Insects, butterflies, birds, and wildlife are attracted to these different communities for different reasons. You can group many different plants together to attract different types of wildlife.

This is how you can turn your backyard into a naturally landscaped community for critters and wildlife alike. Once you see how many butterflies you have attracted because of your choice of plants, you will be amazed.

You have the power and potential to create a sanctuary – not only for yourself but for local wildlife as well.