Best of Both Worlds: Designing with Native & Non-Native Plants

Everywhere you turn, the message seems to be the same: “Plant natives, avoid non-natives!” 

But does it really have to be all or nothing? Can’t we create gardens that support the environment and bring us joy?

There’s no question that native plants play a crucial ecological role. They support local wildlife, promote biodiversity, and help restore balance to our ecosystems. But that doesn’t mean you need to rip out every non-native plant in your yard. I believe your garden should reflect what you love—whether those plants are native or not.

Non-native plants expand your palette and give you more tools to bring your vision to life. If you’re dreaming of a specific flower shape, a bold color, or a certain texture or size, you may find what you're looking for outside the list of regional natives. Limiting yourself exclusively to native plants can sometimes mean missing out on plants that delight you or thrive in your unique space.

And let’s not forget—gardening is not only about benefiting nature. It’s also about the benefit to you. The joy of watching peonies bloom or catching the scent of lilacs in the spring is real and valid. Why give that up?

Love your peonies? Keep them. Look forward to lilacs each year? Let them bloom. Instead of framing this as a choice between “good” and “bad,” why not design your garden as a partnership? You can grow native Baptisia (False Indigo) right alongside those beloved peonies. Or plant asters near to your lilac shrubs to support bees in the fall. You can have your cake and eat it too.

Tall blue spikes of native Baptisia (False Indigo) coexisting with pink peonies and dark purple iris.

Rethinking the Native vs. Non-Native Debate

The native plant movement has done an excellent job raising awareness about ecological gardening. But in the push to promote native species, the conversation has sometimes become too black and white—native equals good, non-native equals bad.

This kind of binary thinking overlooks the full picture. A more helpful way to look at plants is to think in three categories:

• Native Plants – Naturally occurring in your region and deeply connected to local ecosystems

• Invasive Plants – Aggressive species (often non-native) that outcompete and damage local plant communities

• Garden-Friendly Plants – These may be native or non-native, but they support pollinators, are non-invasive, and coexist peacefully in your garden

The Benefits of a Thoughtfully Mixed Garden

Creating a sustainable garden doesn’t require going 100% native. In fact, incorporating well-chosen non-natives can enhance your garden in a number of ways:

• Extended Bloom Time – A broader plant selection means something is always in bloom, feeding pollinators across the seasons

• Increased Biodiversity – A mix of plants attracts a wider variety of insects, birds, and other beneficial wildlife

• Disease Resistance – Some non-natives are more resilient to local pests and conditions

• Climate Adaptation – As climate zones shift, certain native plants may struggle, while adaptable non-natives can fill the gaps

• Soil Support – Some non-native plants can improve soil health and help restore degraded areas

  

Doug Tallamy, an entomologist and leading voice in the native plant movement, has written extensively on why native plants matter, especially in his books like Bringing Nature Home, Nature’s Best Hope, and The Nature of Oaks. He is a strong advocate for native plants since they are they foundation of healthy ecosystems and essential for supporting local food webs. However, he also emphasizes that even small steps, like adding a few natives to your garden can make a difference. You don’t need to eliminate all non-natives and go all-native overnight, but just start replacing where you can.

A Garden That Works for You and the Earth

Gardening is about more than plant labels. It’s about creating beauty, supporting life, and fostering your connection to the natural world. By blending native plants with non-natives that are well-behaved and ecologically useful, you can build a garden that brings joy to you and value to the ecosystem.

Native plants offer many benefits—lower maintenance, better water retention, and support for local wildlife. So yes, absolutely include them in your plans. Just remember that it’s okay to balance your choices. If a native plant meets your needs, great—start there. But if a well-behaved non-native helps you create the garden of your dreams, don’t feel guilty about that.

In the end, a garden filled with love, life, and intention is a garden worth growing.