Native Gardening

Transforming your yard into a thriving ecosystem doesn't have to be a massive weekend overhaul. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Use these six rules to get growing:

1. Think Big, Start Small

Don’t feel pressured to tear out the whole lawn at once. Start with a single 10' x 10' bed or a corner of your yard. Phased installation allows you to manage your budget and learn the ropes without getting overwhelmed by weeds.

2. Define Your Mission

What do you want your garden to do?

• Pollinator Hot Spot: Focus on high-nectar blooms for bees and butterflies.
• Four-Season Interest: Prioritize winter structure (grasses) and varied bloom times.
• Low-maintenance: Choose rugged, aggressive species that outcompete weeds.

3. Know Your Soil and Sun

Before buying a single plant, observe your site:

• Light: Is it "Full Sun" (6+ hours), "Part Shade," or "Full Shade"?
• Moisture: Does water pool after rain (Wet), or does it dry out instantly (Dry)?
• Match your plants to your site, rather than trying to change your site to fit your plants.

4. Plan Your Plot

Use the University of Illinois Extension Pollinator Plant Selector Tool to filter for species that match your garden goals and conditions.

Once you have your list, sketch a simple layout:

• Space it out: Assume 1 square foot per plant for a lush look that outcompetes weeds.
• Plant in "drifts": Group 3 to 5 of the same species together. It looks more intentional and helps pollinators find their target faster.

5. Prep Your Plot

Before you plant, you must clear the competition. Pick the method that fits your timeline and energy level:

• Method 1 – Cardboard and Mulch (The "Lasagna" Method): Best for the patient gardener. Lay down plain brown cardboard (no tape/gloss) over the grass, soak it, and cover with 3-4 inches of wood mulch. In a few months, the grass dies and the cardboard composts, leaving a nutrient-rich bed ready for planting.
• Method 2 – Solarization: Best for sunny spots in summer. Mow the area as short as possible, soak the ground, and cover it tightly with clear plastic sheeting for 4–6 weeks. The trapped heat "cooks" the grass and weed seeds beneath.
• Method 3 – Dig or Cut: Best for the "I want it done today" crowd. Use a shovel, grape hoe or a sod cutter to physically remove the top layer of turf.

6. Source Like a Pro

Once your plan is ready, source your plants from local native growers to ensure they are well-suited for our local ecosystem.

• Oak Park residents are eligible for a discount when ordering through the Wild Ones West Cook chapter’s seasonal sales:
  • Spring: Native Plant Sale
  • Fall: Native Tree and Shrub Sale
• If you're looking for something specific or missed the Wild Ones sale, check the Illinois Native Plant Society Nursery Directory. This is a comprehensive list of nurseries across the state that specialize in true Illinois native plants.
• Find local seed or plant swaps, like those hosted at the Oak Park Conservatory.

Happy planting! More resources can be found on the Wild Ones West Cook chapter website and University of Illinois Extension Illinois Pollinators website.

As the ground thaws and the first blossoms appear in Oak Park, many residents are eager to get back into their gardens. While the urge to "tidy up" the yard is strong, the way we transition into spring maintenance can have a profound impact on the local pollinators – like bees, butterflies, and moths – that are just beginning to emerge.

Rather than following a rigid calendar or a single-month trend, the Village of Oak Park encourages residents to employ enhanced management practices, a year-round approach to yard care that prioritizes native habitats and long-term ecological health.

Easing Into Spring: The "One-Third Rule"

One of the most effective ways to support pollinators in the spring is to simply slow down. Instead of an aggressive first mow, consider the "One-Third Rule" – mowing less frequently and never removing more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time (per code, turf grass cannot exceed 8 inches). Gently easing back into your maintenance routine allows ground-nesting bees and other beneficial insects to complete their early-season life cycles undisturbed.

Year-Round Practices for a Healthy Ecosystem

To maximize the vitality of your outdoor space (and reduce your yard care workload), consider adopting these enhanced management practices for your yard beyond the spring season:

• Leave the Leaves: In the fall, leave leaf litter on your lawn and in your garden beds to provide essential winter insulation for pollinators. Leaves decompose and return nutrients back to the soil, helping native plants grow back stronger. In the spring, wait until temperatures are consistently above 50°F before clearing any remaining leaf litter.
• Minimize Chemical Use: Reducing or eliminating synthetic fertilizers and herbicides creates a permanent ecological benefit for the entire community.
• Don’t Cut Down Stems: Leave flower stalks and stems standing through the winter. Many native, solitary bees nest in hollow or pithy stems. In the spring, wait until temperatures are consistently above 50°F before cutting them back.

Residents interested in planting native gardens in parkways should follow the Parkway Planting Ordinance. These guidelines ensure that plantings are safe, ecologically beneficial, and compliant with local regulations.

• The Village Forester is responsible for maintaining the trees and shrubs in the Village Parkways. Planting or maintenance of trees and shrubs in the parkway requires approval from the Village.
• Property owners can plant cultivated gardens in the parkway adjacent to their properties. The Village encourages native gardens.

Parkway gardens must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Plants must be maintained in a way that does not pose a danger to the health, safety, or welfare of the general public.
• Parkway plants should not exceed 36” in height, or 30” within a clear sight area at street intersections for the safety of user of the sidewalks and streets.
• Keep the sidewalk and road clear of any plant material.
• Maintain a clear area of 4 feet around fire hydrants to maintain visibility and access.
• Garden containers less than 30 gallons can be placed in the parkway between March 1 and October 31

To help you plan your parkway garden, the Village has created a planting list and template. The native species on this list tolerate the various conditions of the parkway well. The design template provides an example of a small parkway garden in full to part sun conditions. We recommend residents start small and expand as the garden becomes more established.

(PDF, 410KB)

Celebrate any new visitors to your native habitat by sharing pollinators or wildlife visiting your garden on Oak Park’s iNaturalist page! 

Nominate Your Garden – Native Gardening for the Neighborhood Award

The Native Gardens for the Neighborhood award recognizes and celebrates Oak Park residents who are using their Parkways and front yards to plant native gardens, support biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and support the Village’s goal of 30% green infrastructure.

Click here to view form.