K-State Research and Extension

  1. K-State home
  2. »Research and Extension
  3. »Johnson County
  4. »Lawn and Garden
  5. »lawn-garden-videos-information
  6. »Planting Natives in the Kansas City Metro

Johnson County

Research-based Information You Can Trust — Localized for your needs

Johnson County
11811 S. Sunset Drive
Suite 1500
Olathe, KS 66061

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(913) 715-7000
(913) 715-7005 fax
jo@listserv.ksu.edu

Map to our office

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Johnson County Extension at (913)715-7000. Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Planting Natives in Kansas City Metro

What is a native plant?mixed bed

There can be many definitions of a native plant. Native plants are those evolving naturally without the influence of man. They are well adapted to a local ecosystem having formed a beneficial relationship with wildlife.

Why plant natives?

Native plants have many benefits over non-native species. Native plants are well adapted to the climate, soil and moisture patterns. Most importantly they support beneficial species such as nectar, pollen and seeds for the diverse population of butterflies, insects, birds and many other animals.

How can natives be utilized?

Use natives in gardens just like any non-native species. They work well in flower gardens adding a richness in diversity. Native gardens can range from small to large. The best design is one that incorporates native plants blooming from spring through fall and also have winter attributes, thus supporting our beneficials year round.

Getting Started with a Native Planting

This series of videos walks you through the steps of establishing a new native planting.

  1. Starting a Native Garden
  2. Soils for Native Gardens
  3. Planting a Native Garden - Seeds or Plants?
  4. Designing a Native Garden
  5. Planting a Native Garden
  6. Weed Control in a Native Planting
  7. Mulching a New Native Garden
  8. Watering to Establish a New Native Garden
  9. Drip Irrigation - Watering for Establishment

Publications and Fact Sheets:

Information on Pollinators:

 

butterfly on coneflower

Johnson County Cost Share Program for Establishing Native Gardens

Supported by Johnson County Government, you may be eligible for funding for planting a native garden or implementing other strategies to protect water quality.  through the Contain the Rain program.  Most Johnson County cities are your first step in applying for funding.

 

Additional Resources

Here are some of the best resources of our local climate.

Do You Have Questions?

Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.

Phone: (913) 715-7050

Email: garden.help@jocogov.org