HOW TO GO NATIVE

Awareness and acceptance of natural landscapes is growing, but the concept is still controversial in some communities, where manicured lawns are the norm.

If you want to go native, Heather Holm offers the following suggestions:

Communicate. "Talk to people before you do it," she said. "It helps to have a dialogue, so people understand what you're doing. That creates more acceptance."

Signal your intentions. Put up a small sign that lets observers know "This is a Native Garden."

Maintain. Going natural doesn't have to be an overgrown free-for-all. "You do have to edit your plants," Holm said. "I'm always questioning myself: How far should I let it go?" And if you don't mind more maintenance, a native landscape can look as groomed as a non-native one. "I've seen some awesome native gardens done in formal style."