Native plants - the plants that originate naturally in a region and have been living there for thousands of years - are a gardener_s best friend when it comes to creating a gorgeous, low-maintenance, environment-friendly landscape, because they thrive in our local climate. They are relatively unaffected by drought, wind, extremes in temperature, and the unpredictable early and late frosts that define the short prairie growing season. Written especially for gardeners in the northern and central prairies of Canada and the United States, June Flanagan shows that a garden rich in native plants is beautiful in its diversity, relatively low maintenance, conserves water, is environmentally sustainable, and provides a natural habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects - all essential ingredients for a healthy garden.