Landscape Design Ideas That Let the Natural Landscape Shine in Middleton, WI

Nature lovers living in Middleton WI, rejoice! By opting for something different than your neighbor’s landscape design and letting in the unique visual benefits that nature has to offer, you could have wondrous landscape that stands out.

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A Bird, Bee, and Butterfly Garden 

Some homeowners are designating a portion of their landscape to the pollinators: the birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects and animals that are essential for the health of the ecosystem. It’s not only a hot trend intended to protect pollinators whose numbers are declining alarmingly fast; it’s a way to reduce a home’s carbon footprint. 

A pollinator garden is a relatively undisturbed area free of toxic herbicides and pesticides, planted with natives, that offers food and shelter for native insect, bird, and animal species. Does this mean letting part of your landscape turn into a jungle? Not at all! Pollinator gardens can be just as beautiful as manicured gardens. They’re more relaxed, but they don’t have to take over; they can be contained in raised beds, within a rock garden, or beside a pond. Even a small patio can become a haven for pollinators—a few colorful pots filled with native flowering plants could do the trick. Add a simple fountain or a more elaborate waterfall to complete the look, and invite even more wildlife to share your backyard.

A Native Landscape

Natives are key to creating a natural landscape that fits into the surroundings. These plants are chosen because they are adapted to the climate, which means they require less maintenance and watering than exotics. They are also adapted to cope with local insects and weeds, which also makes them easier to care for. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has plenty of information on natives that will add beauty and value to your landscape.

A Natural Pond

Water transforms a backyard from ordinary into a magical oasis filled with movement and life. A natural pond with a bubbling mechanism won’t become a haven for mosquitoes; on the contrary, it can attract birds that feed on mosquitoes! Surround the pond with native vegetation, rocks, and even a small pebble beach and a paver patio big enough for a few lounge chairs—and you’ll never want to leave.

Rustic Steps, Walkways, and Walls

Rustic slab steps and walkways, and stacked fieldstone walls add rustic charm and fit in perfectly with a natural landscape. Where possible, choose stone slabs and wall units that mimic locally found stone. The irregular shapes of stone slabs give a wonderfully relaxed feel to the landscape. They also serve as a transition between a more formal patio and the softscape.

A Narrow, Winding Walkway That Leads to a Hidden Delight

A walkway winding through the woods hints at something interesting just around the corner. You can mimic this feeling even in a suburban backyard. Choose a secluded corner of the backyard to put a small paver or bluestone patio, a comfortable bench, a water feature, and some subtle landscape lighting. Make the journey to this little hideaway just as magical. The walkway can be made of stone slabs, gravel, or even a wooden boardwalk. By nature, its narrow and winding shape encourages one to walk slowly and savor life’s moments. 

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