Planting for Biodiversity: Examples via Landscapes

As development pushes into formerly rural areas, loss of habitat and its resulting decrease in biodiversity are growing problems in New England. However, land care professionals and designers can play an important role in countering this problem by planting appropriate native species and plant communities and removing invasive species. Converting formal, ornamental plantings into more naturalistic ones, transforming lawns into meadows, and working to improve or keep intact existing natural areas are other strategies. Of course, the biggest challenge of all may be in convincing clients to embrace this new direction, paramount in the effort to preserve our region’s biodiversity.