As usual, Mother Nature has thrown us a curve ball with an early spring freeze. If there is one thing you can count on in Indiana, it’s crazy weather!

Hopefully most of you resisted purchasing the “sacrificial plants” at the nurseries when the conditions were warm a few weeks ago. Despite recent climate changes, the old axiom of waiting until just before Mother’s Day to plant your annuals and perennials is still a wise idea.

While unexpected freezes can be frustrating, I look at these fleeting cold temperatures as a reprieve of sorts, a little extra time to research what I want to plant in the new season.

This year, it is an opportunity to discover natives that will fulfill a need in my garden that many invasive plants currently hold.

First, it’s important to understand what an invasive plant is. I am not an advocate of completely eliminating non-native plants from the garden. There are far too many wonderful varieties to experience and enjoy.

What we should be concerned about is when a non-native plant also becomes an invasive one. The U.S. government defines an invasive species as one “that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.”

After reviewing a list of examples, I have to admit, I am still surprised to see how many truly invasive plants are for sale in our nurseries, whose staffs should know that these can invade a residential garden and start taking over everywhere.

In contrast, a native plant is one that originated in a place or region and was not introduced, a plant that existed in a particular location prior to the arrival of settlers.

There are several incentives for using native plants whenever possible. Their beauty, historic interest, value to the environment and ease of maintenance are but a few solid reasons. I always include natives in any garden design I create.

No matter what happens to the rest of the garden during the season, I can always count on the natives to perform well and make me look like a hero.

It would take more space than I have here to list all of the common invasives being used in Bloomington and their more friendly native alternatives. I will try to give you a few interesting examples that will hopefully pique your interest.

In the shrub category, Japanese barberry seems to be a landscape design favorite. But it can be highly invasive. There are many alternatives with equal or even more pleasing characteristics.

The fothergilla or witch alder is a fine substitute. Small habit, 3-5 feet tall and wide, fuzzy white flowers in early spring, oval scalloped foliage and gorgeous orange to burgundy color in the fall.

Asian honeysuckle shrub varieties are taking over in North America. Better to plant our native winterberry or spicebush for the same desired effects.

On the topic of perennials, bishop’s weed is next to impossible to eliminate as a ground cover. I know of a case where a nature center had to sterilize the soil to get rid of this demon plant.

Instead, try Canada wild ginger. This ground cover has heart-shaped satiny leaves and brick-red flowers in spring.

Beware dame’s rocket. It is also a variety that will take over if given the chance. Try Carolina phlox or checkerbloom for a similar look.

Even certain grasses are beginning to display invasive characteristics. While not considered an invasive in Indiana at this time, fountain grass is taboo from Florida to California and possibly farther north. I have witnessed the prolific nature of this grass since it became popular as a design element in landscapes in recent years.

A more wise choice would be our native hairawn muhly. It is a clumping grass with a rounded crown, low tufts of arching blades with airy red plumes and russet to tawny autumn color. It’s beautiful, and it won’t take over your garden.

In all classifications, you can usually find a native alternative to satisfy your craving for a particular design element in the landscape. Take some time while the sun is still warming the soil to do some research before you plant. Your garden will be ultimately more successful, and the environment will appreciate your effort.

Two excellent resource books on this topic are Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants by C. Colston Burrell and Go Native! Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers in the Lower Midwest by Carolyn Harstad.

Kristin Rust can be reached at kristin@newleafconsult.com.