Natives First

For years, I struggled with too many plant choices. So much to know and love with dozens of new introductions each spring, how did I ever begin to select plant palettes? The design process was somewhat daunting, but not anymore.

Today, I start with natives. I review my list of favorite native plants, select the natives that satisfy the goals and conditions of the project, and then backfill with noninvasive, nonnatives. Not only do I pare down an ever-growing, overwhelming list of choices, but I add function to the landscape, all at the same time. Now, the design process is simple, efficient, and effective.

Rhododendron catawbiense, Leucothoe fontanesiana, Cephalotaxus harringtonia

If you’re still thinking, “native plants are too wild for me”. That's just not true. As long as 1) we use plants that mature to the height and width of the available space, 2) we give them a snip here-and-there-now-and-again (landscapes can be low-maintenance, not no-maintenance), and 3) we use enough contrast between groups of plants, then natives are the perfect choice and satisfy the goal of creating more biodiversity and an eco-friendly landscape right in our own backyards. 

However... if you prefer green meatballs, well then, hmmm… let’s talk...

Ugh!

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Stay safe, stay warm

Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine)