WjColdWater, thanks for your post.
Many people don't realize that their landscapes, while beautiful, if planted without native plants are essentially deserts for local insects, birds and wildlife. We did the conversion to native plants about 10 years ago. Now the yard is beautiful and nourishing to native species of all types. We have enjoyed the results- so much activity in our yard now by pollinators, birds and critters. Watched a hummingbird this morning.
Here's some pics from a few years ago: