Native Plant Landscaping & Wildlife-Friendly Garden Design
At Backyard Habitats, we specialize in native plant landscaping and wildlife-friendly backyard design in Toledo and Northwest Ohio. Whether you’re just starting out or ready for a long-term habitat transformation, our services provide expert guidance every step of the way.
We help homeowners create eco-friendly gardens that attract pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while remaining beautiful and sustainable year-round.
Goldenrod
The genus Solidago (goldenrod) is vital to our ecosystem. The many varieties of goldenrod’s host over 120 species of lepidoptera (butterflies, moths and skippers). More then any other genus of the herbaceous type. Providing both nectar and pollen in the fall, making it a crucial food source for pollinators.
Echinacea
This beautiful, low-maintenance native perennial attracts many pollinators like bees and butterflies. Also used as a medicinal herb for its ability to boost the immune system. This wildflower is drought tolerant, and provides attractive blooms throughout the summer.
Milkweed
The species of the Asclepias genus are not only host to the Monarch butterfly but many other species of butterflies and moths. A native perennial adapted to any terrain type, providing beautiful orange, pink, purple, white and yellow flowers throughout the summer.
Educational Resources for Native Plant Gardening
The Hive – Digital Access for Native Plants
Access our library of ~75 native plant guides, seasonal planting tips, and wildlife-friendly garden insights. The Hive is perfect for homeowners in the Northwest Ohio looking to learn about native plant landscaping.
Price: $100 one-time payment. CURRENTLY ON SALE for $50
Workshops & Educational Sessions
Participate in hands-on workshops designed to teach practical skills for creating pollinator-friendly gardens and thriving native plant ecosystems. Learn seasonal planting strategies and sustainable garden care.
Price: TBD
Cardinal Flower
Not only is this unique beauty a joy to look at but it also helps add biodiversity to any ecosystem. Lobelia cardinalis is a 2-4ft tall perennial that blooms in late summer and is a favorite of hummingbirds.
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium is a blue-green grass with leaves that turn reddish-brown in the fall. This clump-forming grass is drought-resistant and easy to care for not to mention a host plant for numerous skippers. Also providing nesting sites for birds, helping to stabilize soil with its deep roots and much more.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta a favorite in the garden that grows up to 3ft tall thriving in full sun and well-drained, dry to moist soils. Host to over 20 species of moths, butterflies and skippers while supporting pollinators, stabilizing soil, while providing food for many birds.
Consulting & Planning for Native Backyards
Habitat Consultation + Hive Access
Receive personalized guidance for your backyard with a native plant landscaping consultation. This includes site evaluation, recommendations for native plants and pollinator gardens, and ongoing access to The Hive for seasonal support.
Price: Around $250 (depending on time on-site and property size)
Native Garden Design
Get a detailed native garden design plan tailored to your backyard. Includes plant selection, layout for wildlife-friendly spaces, and a step-by-step guide for installation and maintenance. This can also includes a site evaluation, plus The Hive.
Price: Starting at $150
Phased Habitat Master Plan
Transform your backyard into a thriving native ecosystem with our long-term, phased habitat master plan. This comprehensive service includes step-by-step guidance, plant lists, and multi-season implementation strategies.
Price: TBD (depending on yard size and complexity)
Sunflower
The Helianthus genus (perennial or annual) are yet another critical plant to our ecosystem. They provide food for wildlife, pollen and nectar to pollinators and many other benefits. They are host to over 75 species of lepidoptera, behind only Solidago in the amount of species it hosts.
Tall Ironweed
Vernonia gigantea a giant beauty with purple flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. Ironweed attracts pollinators while supporting biodiversity. Reaching up to 10ft tall Tall Ironweed can be the perfect native perennial to add some depth into any garden.
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus is a compact, rounded shrub growing between 2-3′ tall with showy white flowers. New Jersey Tea plays a large part in the ecosystem as a source of early pollen and nectar for bees, supporting wildlife, and fixing nitrogen back into the soil. While hosting over 35 species of moths, butterflies and skippers.
Installation Services for Native Gardens
Selective Garden Installation
Bring your native garden plan to life with selective installation services for qualifying projects. Installation is available for select native gardens and focuses on proper plant placement, spacing, and establishment while honoring the original design and ecological intent.
Price: TBD (based on project scope, size, and availability)
Aster
Asters are another keystone or crucial member of the native plants in our region. These little daisy like flowers add a burst of different colors to the garden while giving much to wildlife. Providing pollen and nectar in the fall months to pollinators, food/shelter to wildlife and hosting over 10 species of lepidoptera. Asters also improve soil quality and help prevent erosion.
Blazing Star
Liatris spicata is a tall, perennial wildflower with purple flowers that bloom like fireworks in late summer. Blazing star provides pollinator support, food for songbirds and hosting at least 5 species of lepidoptera. While adding height, color, movement the leaves and seedheads provide color and texture throughout the winter in your garden space.
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria Virginiana is a small ground covering native perennial with small edible strawberries. Wild strawberries provide food, support for pollinators, and helps reduce erosion. Also serves as an active mulch protecting the soil from water evaporation. The Fragaria genus is host over 70 species of moths, butterflies and skippers.
Seasonal & Annual Follow-Up for Native Gardens
Follow-Up Visits
Maintain a healthy and vibrant native garden with our seasonal and annual follow-up visits. We provide ongoing guidance for planting adjustments, garden maintenance, and monitoring for pollinators and other wildlife.
Price: TBD (estimate $50, depending on yard size and complexity)
Help bring them back, by bringing back the native plants they evolved with for centuries!
Ready to Transform Your Northwest Ohio Backyard?
Backyard Habitats offers everything from educational resources to full-scale native plant landscaping services. Start your journey today with a consultation, The Hive, or a Phased Habitat Master Plan to create a backyard ecosystem that thrives year-round.
