Minnesota’s native plants are beautiful and resilient, perfectly suited to our unique climate, soil, and wildlife. As the summer sun begins to shine, now is the perfect time to reimagine your garden with the help of hardy, native flora. Whether you want to create a pollinator paradise or a low-maintenance retreat, Otten Bros has the expertise, tools, and selection to make your garden thrive.

Since 1953, Otten Bros has been Minnesota’s trusted source for residential landscaping, low-maintenance plants, and expert landscape design. With 12 acres of nursery space filled with plants, gardening tools, and gifts, our team is here to help you bring your backyard landscape ideas to life.

Why Choose Native Minnesota Plants?

Native plants have evolved to thrive in Minnesota’s changing seasons. That means they:

• Require less water and maintenance

• Resist local pests and diseases

• Support pollinators like bees and butterflies

• Adapt well to varying soil conditions

These qualities make native species essential to low-maintenance landscape design, especially for homeowners who want sustainable beauty without constant upkeep.

Top Native Plants to Consider This Summer

1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

A garden favorite, this vibrant flower is drought-tolerant, long-blooming, and a favorite of pollinators. Pair it with a paver walkway design or plant near a concrete patio for a splash of color.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

This cheerful, golden bloomer thrives in full sun and poor soil. It’s ideal for landscape front yard designs that need summer color with minimal maintenance.

3. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

A warm-season grass with lovely blue-green blades that turn copper in fall. It adds structure and movement, which is great for garden landscaping.

4. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Its lavender blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant is a natural fit for low-maintenance yard designs with a soft, prairie aesthetic.

5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

This small native tree offers spring flowers, summer berries, and fall color, making it perfect for a luxury landscape that evolves with the seasons.

How Otten Bros Can Help

At Otten Bros, we offer more than just plants—we offer expertise. Whether you’re updating your front walkway, adding custom retaining walls, or crafting a garden, we’re here to help from start to finish.

Landscape Design Services

Our experienced landscape designers will work with you to craft a vision that fits your lifestyle, budget, and property. From easy backyard landscape designs to full-scale residential landscaping, we offer tailored solutions including:

• Landscape drainage solutions

• Custom retaining walls and hardscaping

• Outdoor living spaces and patios

• Landscape gardening with native plantings

Explore our Landscape Design Services →

The Garden Center

Our 12-acre Garden Center has high-quality native plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Our team can help you select the best species for your soil and light conditions.

Visit the Garden Center →

Native Plant Integration Ideas

Want to combine beauty and functionality in your garden? Here are some quick tips:

• Border your walkways with native grasses or coneflowers for structure and seasonal color.

• Incorporate a rain garden using natives that thrive in wet conditions. Otten Bros. can help with landscaping and water drainage.

• Add natural stone walkway designs through native prairie beds for easy navigation and visual appeal.

• Complement native beds with hardscaping like a concrete block retaining wall to manage elevation and add architectural interest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do native plants require less maintenance than non-native varieties?

Yes! Native plants are adapted to local conditions, which means less watering, fertilizing, and pest control—perfect for a low-maintenance landscape design.

Can I use native plants in modern landscaping?

Absolutely. Native plants can be used in everything from luxury landscape designs to easy backyard landscape designs, especially when integrated with hardscaping features like retaining walls or paver walkways.

What if I have poor soil or drainage issues?

Otten Bros offers soil assessment and landscaping drainage solutions to ensure your plants thrive no matter the conditions.

Final Thoughts

This summer, embrace the beauty and practicality of native Minnesota plants in your garden. Whether you’re designing from scratch or refreshing an existing landscape, Otten Bros has the plants, supplies, and expert guidance to help you grow a vibrant, eco-friendly yard.

From stepping stone walkways to custom retaining walls, Otten Bros. brings decades of experience to every project. Visit us today to get inspired—and get growing!