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THE PROCESS - PLANNING, PLANTING & PLEASURE <br /> There are several aspects to the implementation of a natu- <br /> ralized landscape . They include site analysis, plant commun- <br /> ity and site design, planting techniques, and maintenance. <br /> Considerations unique to this .approach are development time <br /> (for example, at best, a prairie planting will take three <br /> growing seasons to become self-maintaining ) , limited avail- <br /> ability, of native trees and shrubs, and the need to consider <br /> the preconceptions and attitudes of neighbors. <br /> An additional decision for you to make is whether to do it <br /> yourself or to hire a professional . The decision to retain <br /> professional help is not necessarily an either/or choice. A <br /> professional can be involved as much or as little as the <br /> owner chooses. - The choice is best made based on the time <br /> available for the project and on the degree of involvement <br /> the owner desires . <br /> DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO USE A PROFESSIONAL <br /> If the choice is made to retain a professional, there are <br /> several questions to be answered. <br /> Among these are: <br /> 1 . Does the professional know a native plant from a .non- <br /> native plant? <br /> 2 . Does the professional recognize that plants occur in <br /> community groupings? <br /> 3 . Does the professional also supply his/her own plants? <br /> Are conflicts of interest possible? <br /> 4 . Would any agreement include help with a planting over <br /> at least three growing seasons? <br /> 5 . What has been the preparation of the professional? <br /> Landscape architecture, botany, and horticulture course <br /> work should have been part of his/her training . <br /> DOING IT YOURSELF <br /> If you decide to do your own landscape design, we have <br /> included a beginning bibliography. We have not included a <br /> list of sources of native plants because to do so would <br /> imply endorsement. <br /> 16 <br />