Cues of Care
Making native gardens look intentional
Visual signals that show a garden is intentional and actively managed
📖 5 min read • Visual guidanceUpdated January 2026
Most HOAs and neighbors don't evaluate gardens botanically. They evaluate them visually.
"Cues of care" are the visible signals that show a garden is intentional, maintained, and actively managed.
Native gardens can look unfamiliar — especially early on. Without clear signals, unfamiliarity is often misread as neglect.
Cues of care help:
- Reduce complaints
- Increase tolerance for diverse plantings
- Build neighbor confidence
Explore design resources
Browse design tools and templates that incorporate cues of care principles.
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