Re-creating an actual natural habitat is only one option. Designing a space that minimizes the use of turf grass and maximizes the use of trees, shrubs, perennial plants, and groundcover is another alternative. Indigenous plants can also be incorporated into existing beds and borders. Native trees and shrubs offer the same benefits as other native plants and, when sited appropriately, can be used in nearly every setting. They are at their best, however, when left to their natural growth habits rather than being tortured into manicured shapes.
Autumn brings an added bonus.
Everything else pales by comparison. The key to successfully utilizing native plants is to correctly identify the light and moisture conditions that determine the ecosystem of the area to be planted and choose the appropriate plants for the situation. Appropriately citing a plant can make the difference between that plant flourishing or failing. Those differences can exist even within the same yard. For the best results, Shaw recommended choosing plants of the right ecotype, those that have been genetically programmed to thrive in a specific climate.