Native Plants 101

Many of us hear terms like “native,” “pollinator-friendly,” and “low-maintenance,” yet still feel unsure which plants actually belong in our yards and where to start with a sustainable garden. Native Plants 101 is here to change that, giving you a clear, practical path to a garden that’s beautiful, resilient, and genuinely helpful to bees, butterflies, and birds - not just trendy on a plant tag. At My Home Park, our mission is to turn your yard into “your slice of the planet” in a way that’s good for you and the environment. To that end, this guide focuses on simple explanations and real-world steps, backed by deep native plant and design expertise to support you and remove the guesswork in getting started.

Use this guide as a starting map: first, learn what ‘native’ means (Sections 1–2), then review basic design principles (Section 3), and finally follow the step‑by‑step path in Section 4 to start your own project. As you read through this guide, you’ll see links to more detailed topics like how to assess sun and shade in your yard, understand your soil type, and plan your first year with natives. For deeper dives beyond the basics, you can explore Garden Design & Planning, Plant Care, Maintenance & Seasonal Guides, Problem Solving & Plant Issues, and Pollinators & Wildlife among others.