Gain Big Benefits With Biodiversity From Mixed Plantings

Nature Hills Nursery | February 14, 2026

Biodiversity (n). the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Most of us think of our gardens as peaceful places to spend time and quite literally “smell the flowers,” but what if our gardens brought us a little closer to nature?

Biodiversity in the garden is a hot trend; the result of a crossover between gardening and ecology. Biodiverse gardens, also known as cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, or mixed plantings, are all about bringing back a little more “nature” into our lives.

Unlike traditional gardens that may have five or fewer species, these nature-based gardens boast a dozen or more species. Everything is planted together in a way that mimics their natural habitat.

As a result, the plants in these gardens are much more resistant to common issues, like disease, than they would be if planted alone.

Boost Biodiversity in the Landscape

If you plan mixed plantings into your garden, you can improve both your own property and your community. Consider these benefits:

Low Maintenance

It seems counterintuitive, but mixed plantings really are lower maintenance. They create their own ecosystem and work together to prevent the spread of disease, save water, prevent plant loss, and stop pests in their tracks. All of which means less work for us. Mixed plantings also look great even when allowed to get a little “messy.”

Wildlife Friendly

Many species of birds and insects are in grave decline throughout the United States. But even small gardens can make a huge difference! With their wild habitats in decline, our gardens can help fill the gap, providing shelter and food for these small wildlife.

In fact, studies have shown that even a moderate increase in garden biodiversity can support the recovery of threatened birds, butterflies and bees.

Pest & Disease Resistant

Diversity in the garden, like in nature, provides a buffer against major issues, like disease and pests.

It is no secret that public parks and sidewalks are grappling with an influx of invasive pests and diseases that are decimating our favorite shade trees. Some of the worst offenders include:

Emerald ash borer
Gypsy moth
Dutch elm disease
Beech bark disease
Oak wilt

These infestations, along with more common issues like fire blight and aphids, can be very costly and time-consuming to control. Fortunately, biodiverse gardens slow the spread of these pests and give your plants a better chance at fighting them off. An oak tree standing alone is much more likely to succumb to invasive disease than one grown in a community of other species.

Save Water

Mixed plantings of shrubs, trees, perennials, and grasses can work wonders for erosion and water use. Together, the plants act like a sponge in a rainstorm, greatly reducing water runoff and erosion.

Large shrubs and trees also shade and cool the air around them, slowing evaporation and helping smaller plants thrive on less water. This natural effect is especially important during dry spells when plants are extra vulnerable.

Save Money

Not only do mixed plantings require less water, they can also help you save on utility bills! The tree canopy alone can lower your home’s utility bill by $20/month if it shades your home for part of the day. And the natural buffer against plant and water loss means less money spent on watering and replacing plants.

Four Season Beauty

The best gardens have year-round appeal. They look amazing, no matter what the season is. Mixed plantings can easily achieve this, thanks to the great diversity that they have.

When designing your mixed planting garden, incorporate trees and shrubs with pretty bark during winter months, as well as fall color. Spring-flowering bulbs will help welcome spring with bright, early color.

Other Benefits of Biodiversity

Still not convinced? There are even more fascinating benefits to biodiverse gardens:

They improve the soil, naturally
They are 100% organic friendly
They increase curb appeal and home value
They are more adaptable to climate change
They can boost productivity in nearby vegetable gardens

How To Create Biodiverse Mixed Plantings

Step 1. Mix it Up

Adding diversity to your garden, and creating mixed plantings, is as simple as mixing up your garden landscape with some new plants. If your garden is already established, consider adding something new, like a serviceberry bush or a white coneflower.

Step 2. Think Layers

Mixed plantings use up all available vertical space, from the creeping groundcovers to the soaring tree canopies. When planning your mixed garden, layer with trees, shrubs, tall and short perennials, groundcovers, spring bulbs and annuals. The result will be a nice finished look that provides all the benefits of a true biodiverse garden.

Step 3. Bring in Color & Texture

Take full advantage of a mixed planting by bringing in different colors and textures. You can stick with a simple theme (pick four plants to combine and repeat in a pattern), or you can get a little more creative.

Mixed Planting Ideas

These plants make wonderful additions to any garden but are especially good at attracting local wildlife and supporting a low-maintenance mixed-planting garden.

Shop High-Quality Expertly Grown Trees from Nature Hills

Mixed Forests

These native tree species can be used to create a large-scale forest cover. Mix plant species together to create natural forest biodiversity. You'll support a wide range of forest-dependent animals and insects, and enjoy a gorgeous "get-away" just by walking outside.

Gift yourself a life-long passion and create a native forest.

White Oak
Red Maple
River Birch
Nut Trees - like Walnut and Pecan
White Spruce

Mixed Planting Shrubs

Ecosystem productivity and biodiversity can be achieved, no matter the size of your landscape. Use a mix of shrubs to work preventing soil erosion, providing food and shelter, and supporting the needs of pollinators.

Mixed Planting Perennials & Groundcovers

Don't forget the smallest components of mixed planting design. These charming - and easy-care - additions polish the look by adding color and scent.

The Beauty of Biodiversity!

Through biodiverse mixed plantings, we can make our yards even more beautiful. At the same time, we can save money, support our local wildlife, and enjoy a little more nature in our lives.

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does seasonal planting variety help increase biodiversity in a backyard garden?

Planting a mix of species that bloom and fruit across different seasons ensures your garden provides continuous food and shelter for birds, bees, and beneficial insects throughout the year. Unlike traditional gardens with five or fewer species, a biodiverse planting scheme of a dozen or more varieties mimics natural habitats, making plants more resistant to pests and disease while reducing overall maintenance. Aim to include early spring bloomers, summer perennials, fall fruiting shrubs, and evergreen structure plants to keep your garden productive in every season. Browse Nature Hills' collections by bloom time to build a layered, year-round planting plan that supports local wildlife and strengthens your entire landscape.

How do I choose plants that thrive together in the same growing conditions and ecosystem?

Start by identifying your hardiness zone, soil type, and light conditions, then select plants that naturally coexist in similar native habitats, since plants that evolved together are already adapted to support one another. Cottage garden and wildlife garden designs work best when you layer plants by height and bloom time, combining canopy trees, understory shrubs, and ground-level perennials and grasses to mimic a natural ecosystem. Browse Nature Hills' plant collections filtered by zone and growing conditions to find compatible species, and look for native plants as your foundation since they form the strongest ecological partnerships with local wildlife and soil organisms.

What should I plant around the base of trees to support a layered, biodiverse garden?

To create a layered, biodiverse planting beneath trees, combine shade-tolerant groundcovers like native wild ginger or creeping phlox with mid-layer shrubs such as serviceberry or native viburnums. Adding spring ephemerals like trillium or Virginia bluebells beneath deciduous trees takes advantage of early sunlight before the canopy leafs out. This layered approach mimics natural woodland ecosystems, improving pest and disease resistance while supporting pollinators and wildlife. Visit naturehills.com to browse shade-tolerant natives suited to your region and start building your own biodiverse planting today.

How do spring, summer, and fall plantings work together to support wildlife year-round?

Staggering your plantings across seasons ensures a continuous cycle of blooms, berries, and seed heads that provide food and shelter for wildlife from the first thaw through the final frost. Spring bloomers like native redbuds and serviceberries fuel early pollinators and migrating birds, summer plantings sustain peak insect populations with nectar-rich perennials, and fall-fruiting shrubs like winterberry holly carry wildlife through leaner months. To build this kind of year-round support system, choose at least three to five species per season and layer them with trees, shrubs, and groundcovers to mimic a natural habitat structure.

How do I design a mixed planting bed so taller plants do not shade out shorter ones?

When designing a mixed planting bed, arrange plants in tiers by placing the tallest trees or shrubs at the back or center, mid-sized perennials in the middle, and low-growing groundcovers or edging plants at the front or outer edges. As a general rule, leave spacing equal to at least half the mature spread of each plant to allow light to filter through to shorter neighbors. Choose shade-tolerant species like hostas, astilbes, or ferns for spots that will naturally fall under the canopy of taller plants. Research the mature height and spread of every plant before purchasing, and use that information to sketch a simple layout before you dig.

How do I space different types of plants together in one bed without overcrowding them?

When planting a mixed bed, always check the mature spread of each plant and space accordingly, giving trees and large shrubs the most room while tucking perennials and groundcovers into the gaps. A general rule is to place plants close enough that their canopies will just touch at maturity, which typically means 18 to 36 inches between perennials and 4 to 8 feet between shrubs depending on their ultimate size. Layering by height, with taller plants toward the back or center and lower growers toward the edges, also helps each plant get adequate light without crowding its neighbors. Check the spacing tag or product page for each plant at Nature Hills before you dig, and map out your bed on paper first to avoid costly rearranging later.

Should I group the same species in drifts or clusters rather than scattering single plants throughout a bed?

Grouping plants in drifts or clusters of three or more is generally a smart design choice for visual impact and pollinator efficiency, since bees and butterflies are more likely to visit a concentrated patch than hunt down isolated singles. However, in a biodiverse or mixed planting style, scattering a variety of species throughout the bed mimics natural habitats and provides greater pest and disease resistance. The best approach is to combine both strategies: cluster multiples of each species together, then intersperse those clusters with other species throughout the bed. Aim for odd-numbered groupings of three, five, or seven plants per species to create a naturalistic yet intentional look.

Which vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and herbs grow well together in a mixed planting bed?

Many classic combinations thrive in mixed planting beds, such as pairing tomatoes with basil and marigolds, or growing roses alongside lavender, catmint, and alliums. Shrubs like viburnum or spirea anchor the back of a bed beautifully when underplanted with herbs like thyme or oregano and pollinator-friendly flowers such as echinacea, salvia, or black-eyed Susan. The key is to select plants with similar sun and water needs, then layer them by height to mimic natural plant communities. Browse the Nature Hills catalog to find regionally appropriate plants for your zone, and aim to include at least 12 or more species in your mixed bed to gain the full pest-resistant and low-maintenance benefits of true biodiversity.

How many different plant species do I need in one bed to see a real biodiversity benefit?

Traditional gardens typically feature five or fewer species, so aiming for a dozen or more plants in your mixed planting bed is the threshold where you start seeing real biodiversity benefits. At this level, your plants begin forming their own small ecosystem, working together to resist disease, deter pests, and support local wildlife like bees, butterflies, and birds. Start by layering trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers together to mimic a natural habitat, and shop Nature Hills for a curated mix of regionally appropriate species that will thrive together in your specific growing zone.

How do mixed plantings help reduce pests, improve soil health, and attract pollinators compared to single-species beds?

Mixed plantings create a natural buffer against pests and disease by reducing the concentration of any single host plant, making it harder for infestations like emerald ash borer, aphids, or fire blight to spread rapidly through your garden. The diversity of root systems and plant material also improves soil structure and organic matter over time, while the variety of bloom times and flower types draws in a much wider range of pollinators, including threatened bees and butterflies, compared to a single-species bed. Start by aiming for a minimum of a dozen species in your planting design, mixing flowering perennials, shrubs, and native plants to mimic a natural habitat and keep your garden working hard across multiple seasons.