Keystone planting is all about designing your yard with the needs of your local ecosystem at its heart. Many garden trees and plants bring very little to the biodiversity party. Others, and here I'm mainly talking native species, are critical to the survival of local wildlife and, ultimately, the entire food chain. They're the vital pillars of our ecosystem.
This important approach to landscaping isn't necessarily about rewilding, or allowing your backyard to be reclaimed by nature. It's firmly rooted in common sense – planting the right plants for your zone in the right place. Not only will it bring all the wildlife to your yard, but it will also gift you with a climate-resilient outdoor space that thrives on neglect without the need for chemical intervention.
