Kansas City’s landscape is changing, both figuratively and literally. Local laws are reclassifying native plants from weeds to welcomed flowers, and Overland Park is the latest city to hop on the trend.
Why the sudden change of heart? The Heartland did its research and discovered native plants have plenty of benefits, like filtering rainwater and reducing flooding . Basically, one man’s weed is another’s low-cost flood insurance.
Tips to get gardening
Want to embrace your wildflower side? Here are some tips to get your green thumbs wiggling:
- Take note of your lawn’s environment. Is it sunny or shady? Try using this tool to measure your yard’s shadiness to pick the best plants.
- Choose foliage that blooms in different seasons so your garden is glorious year round.
- Plan to have a garden border for a finished look. Brick, limestone, or simply a clean-cut edge are great options.
- Consider hiring a professional to get down and dirty for you.
Fun fact: American holly is native to Missouri.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Where to get native plants
These KC metro nurseries have native plants waiting to leaf with you.
- Black Roots Farms | 12905 State Hwy. A, Liberty, MO
- City Roots Nursery | 3037 Woodland Ave., KCMO
- Colonial Gardens | 27610 E. Wyatt Rd., Blue Springs, MO
- Happy Apple’s Farm | 17524 178th St., Toganoxie, KS
- Prairie & Wetland Center | 16246 S. US Hwy. 71, Belton, MO
- Sow Wild Natives | 6201 Noland Rd., KCMO
- Soil Service Nursery and Garden Center | 7130 Troost Ave., KCMO
- Suburban Lawns & Garden | Multiple Locations
Local resources
Create your natural wonder using these resources:
- Peek at Missouri Prairie Foundation’s native plant database .
- Dig through Deep Roots KC ’s knowledge bank.
- Check out this list of Johnson County cities providing native garden funding to residents.
- Use this native garden template which illustrates planting placement.
- Purchase rain barrels from Bridge The Gap for $65.