A wildflower garden is a specialized form of garden that uses plants native to the area in which the garden is developed as its primary focus. Such gardens often benefit from the plants being habituated to the climate and soil conditions present and may require fewer soil amendments or chemical treatments in order to present a pleasing display.

Some wildflower gardens attempt to recreate a prairie landscape, including native grasses along with the flowering plants, or forbs. Such gardens benefit the local wildlife, often attracting birds, butterflies and small mammals. By carefully choosing the plants in the garden, the gardener can encourage some of these visitors to the garden. One popular type of wildflower garden specializes in attracting butterflies and is called a butterfly garden.

The native plants used in wildflower gardens often have deep root systems. This makes them good plants for absorbing runoff and allowing the water to filter back into the local water table. Wildflower gardens that focus on capturing runoff in this fashion are called rain gardens.

See also: Wildlife gardening

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