10 plants to liven up your garden

Meghan Doran, a naturalist from Summit Metro Parks, shared her top ten native plants for the home garden with us. These plants are not just beautiful additions to your garden, but also attract all kinds of wildlife.  

Bayberry

This beautiful shrub attracts fruit-loving birds, especially yellow-rumped warblers. 

Winterberry

Winterberry attracts all types of birds in the winter and adds gorgeous color to your yard. 

Fragrant sumac

This plant has beautiful foliage in all seasons, especially in fall. 

Elderberry

Another favorite among feathered friends, many bird species love this shrub for its lovely fruits. 

Serviceberry

Serviceberry has gorgeous blooms and provide a great habitat and food for birds. 

Purple Coneflower

Familiar to many gardeners, this prairie plant is easy to grow and it provides food for native bees and American goldfinches throughout the year. 

Swamp Milkweed

This plant easily grows in back yards and is a host plant for monarch butterflies. 

New England Aster

New England Aster is a great native wildflower for all types of pollinators. 

Butterfly weed

This plant is a host species for monarch butterflies and is a colorful, low growing flower. 

Red oak

One of the best deciduous trees that you can plant, this plant will provide food for butterflies, moths and other insects in addition to providing a habitat for everyone.