Yards and Gardens

Bringing Back Prairie, Garden by Garden

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Photo Credit: Dyck Arboretum

Plant Native!

Opuntia macrorhiza
Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrorhiza) Photo credit: Patti Ragsdale

Why Garden with Native Plants?

  • Native plants are adapted to local temperatures, precipitation, soils, and the plants and animals living there. 
  • Native plants do not require fertilizers.
  • Native plants require less water. Deep, spreading  root systems prevent erosion and reduce run-off and flooding.
  • Native plants help reduce air pollution and store carbon from the atmosphere.
  • Native plants provide food, shelter and habitat for wildlife.
  • Native plants increase biodiversity and the preservation of our natural landscapes; and
  • Native plants add beautiful year-round color, texture and interest to our Kansas gardens!

Grow A Native Plant Garden!

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Photo credit: Dyck Arboretum

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Photo credit: Dyck Arboretum

Prairie Planting. Photo credit: Dyck Arboretum

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Photo credit: Dyck Arboretum

Helzer prairie garden in Aurora, Nebraska. Photo credit: Chris Helzer

Sunset Elem School Planting. Photo credit: Dyck Arboretum.