Planning and design principles apply to natural yards just the same as for traditional yards. Without these, the space will look like a poor copy of a natural habitat and reinforces the idea that native plants do not have a deserved place in the urban residential landscape. 

Avoid the temptation to purchase your plants just yet; there is an important process behind those well-planned, beautiful landscapes you see. 

If you own your home, print a copy of your Real Property Report (RPR) so that you know the exact boundaries of your yard and have a ready-made to-scale plan to work from, showing your house location in relation to your lot.