The Outback Blog

When a shopper stops by your retail place once, that’s nice.

When they keep coming back, even better.

Landscaping with native plants has never been hotter, with an increasing number of homeowners falling for their ease of care, environmental benefits, and support for bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Plus, some of these native beauties will knock your socks off, with beautiful blooms, impressive fall foliage and pretty berries.

Xeriscaping is a weird-looking word, and you might assume this drought-tolerant landscaping style isn’t important in Idaho. We have plenty of water, right?

Once you’ve started daydreaming about your new landscaping project, you can’t wait to get started, right?

Can the landscaper start the new patio tomorrow? Bring on the outdoor kitchen — you’ve got steaks thawing! Can you plant flowers that will bloom by the weekend?

Patience, please. Landscaping schedules aren’t instant. This stuff takes time. But how much time?

You want beautiful trees, plants and shrubs in your yard, but you don’t want a chore list every weekend.

What plants are best for low maintenance? There are lots of beauties, from Idaho native plants like fiery burning bush and bird favorite coneflower to easy-care varieties with cool names like zebra grass and ‘Tiger Eyes’ sumac.

When it comes to planting native plants in Boise and Idaho Falls, we’re truly fortunate. There’s a substantial list, and you might want them all.