Landscaping with Native Species Part 2: Which Native Plants Should I Use?

This is a two-part blog discussing landscaping with native species. Part 2 discusses various native plant species to potentially use in your landscaping. Part 1 covered why you should use native plants in your landscaping and their benefits.

Earlier this month I covered all the benefits of landscaping with native plants and their importance. Now, I want to share a variety of different native plants you can potentially use in your landscaping and resources to find other native plant options.

Luckily, North Carolina has no shortage of gorgeous and beneficial plants. Discover some amazing native plants in my latest blog.

Native Plants Galore!

Whether you are looking for a low shrub or wildflowers, below is a variety of options of native plants. There is a mix of colors and maintenance needs.

Before I share these beautiful native plants, I recommend you look at this hardiness zone map. It lists all the hardiness zones in the continental United States. The Piedmont Triad, North Carolina is in zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

1. Low Shrubs

Snowhill Hydrangea (Hydrangea aborescens)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial sun to shade and neutral to acidic soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun and moist, wet soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

2. Mid-size Shrubs

Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun and moist, wet soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Sweet Azalea (Rhododendron arborescens)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to shade and moist, wet soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Pinkshell Azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi)

Hardiness Zones: 5-7

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial sun and dry, moist soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

3. Large shurbs

Mock Orange (Philadelphus inodorus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun and dry, moist soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Mountain Winterberry (Ilex montana)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun and moist soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

4. Wildflowers

Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, wet soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

Hardiness Zones: 3-11

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial sun to partial shade and moist soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade and moist soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Great Blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial sun to partial shade and moist, wet soil.

Click here for more information on this plant. 

Native Plant Resources

Looking for other colors, plant maintenance, or more options for native plants? Don’t worry, click here for a great list of recommended native species for North Carolina.

Also, as azaleas are such a popular – and gorgeous – landscaping plant choice, the Carolina Native Nursery provides this wonderful list of native azaleas.

Choose Native Plants for Your Landscaping!

If you want to make a difference in our local environment, then landscaping with native species is a wonderful start. Our local pollinators and other native plants will thank you! Get started today on your dream landscaping for your yard. Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I will work closely with you to select plants you love and are able to maintain. Be sure to like my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things plants and outdoor living!

Landscaping with Native Species Part 1: Why Select Native Plants for Your Landscaping?

This is a two-part blog discussing landscaping with native species. Part 1 covers why you should use native plants in your landscaping.

Last month, I discussed why pollinator gardens are so important and some various plants to fill those gardens. This month, I want to share about landscaping with native species. For part one, I’ll share the benefits of using native plants in your landscaping.

While beauty is a key factor in landscaping, selecting plants that fit your surroundings, will thrive in your yard, and give back to your local area are equally important. One way to achieve all those factors is by utilizing native plant species. Before diving into the different types of native species in my next blog, I first want to discuss the importance of landscaping with native species.

Why Landscaping with Native Plants?

Exotic plants might seem tempting but after considering the maintenance and life span those plants have here, choosing native plants is a smarter choice.

The fauna in North Carolina depends on the local flora as part of our delicate ecosystem. Remember those pollinators we discussed last month; they need native plants as part of their pollination process! Many non-native plants become invasive and take over the native plants. This hurts the balance of our local plant and animal life!

Benefits of Landscaping with Native Plants

In addition to helping our pollinator and animal friends, there are other advantages to landscaping with native plants. Some benefits include:

·       Used to withstanding local elements – from sunny to rainy days

·       Easier maintenance

·       Provide plenty of beauty

·       Numerous choices

Since these plants are used to our local climate it makes sense they will be the easiest to adapt to our landscaping needs!

Create Your Dream Backyard and Help Our Local Ecosystem with Native Species Landscaping!

If you are ready to make a difference in our local environment, then landscaping with native species is a great start. It might seem like a small thing, but our local pollinators and other plants know it is huge! Don’t wait any longer to create your dream backyard. Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164 to get started! At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I always work closely with every client to ensure they have plants they will enjoy and are able to maintain. All while helping our local environment!

Head over and like my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things outdoor living and landscaping!

Don’t miss next week’s part two blog on potential native species plants to include in your landscaping!

Pollinator Gardens Part 2: What are the Best Pollinator Plants to Use?

This is a two-part blog discussing pollinator gardens. Part 2 covers different types of pollinator plants you can use in your pollinator garden. Part 1 covered why you should have a pollinator garden.

In my last blog, you learned all about the importance and benefits of a pollinator garden. Now that you have your heart set on helping our pollinator friends and building your very own pollinator garden, you might be wondering what plants should be in that garden and how to get them. Today’s blog covers just that topic!

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Where do I get seeds for pollinator plants?

Since native plants tend to grow best in your yard, ideally you will choose and use those in your landscaping. Don’t worry we have plenty of pollinator plant options, which we will discuss below, that are perfect for growing in NC!

Consider purchasing your seeds or plants from a local business or organization. Not only does that help you support your local economy, but they will know what grows best in our NC soil and weather.

Below are a few recommendations of places from North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance:

·       Carolina Native Nursery

·       Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm

·       Mellow Marsh Farm

·       Carolina Heritage Nursery

Purple Cornflower (Echinacea)

What pollinator plants are best for an NC pollinator garden?

Luckily, there are plenty of plants to choose from! Bees and butterflies are sure to thank you for planting these amazing plants. Plus, you will love their beauty and color in your backyard oasis!

Here are a few popular and gorgeous pollinator plants I highly recommend.

1.       Milkweed

2.       Purple Cornflower

3.       Aster

4.       Black Eyed Susan

5.       Allium

6.       Lavender

7.       St. John’s Wort

8.       Yarrow

Aster (Asteraceae)

Below I give a little more information on each of the plants above. However, as a reminder the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is hardiness zone 7. You can check out this hardiness zone map to see all the zones. They are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and moist soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.  

Purple Cornflower (Echinacea)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and poor or lean soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator. 

Aster (Asteraceae)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained, loamy soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator. 

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator. 

Allium (Allieae Asparagales)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Hardiness Zones: 6

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Hardiness Zones: 3-7

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, loamy soil.

Click here for more information on this pollinator.

Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

Ready to Create Your Own Pollinator Garden?

After reading these last two blogs do you feel inspired to add a pollinator garden? Don’t wait to get started any longer. Give Hawkins Landscape Architecture a call today at 336-848-7164 to discuss exactly what your dream backyard oasis looks like and where to place your new pollinator garden!

Best of all, my 3D landscape design allows clients to see how their pollinator gardens and any landscape or outdoor living element will look in their new backyard. Head over and like my Instagram page for photos on all types of plants and landscaping ideas!

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Don’t miss next month’s two-part blog series on landscaping with native species!

Spring Trees: Dogwoods and Beyond – Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 4 – Spring Trees

This final part in a four-part series on Spring plants. Part four covers Spring trees.

My Spring plants blog series covered Spring bulbs in part one, Spring perennials in part two, and Spring shrubs in part three. I will cover our fourth topic in today’s blog – Spring trees!

Trees provide so many amazing benefits in landscape designs. Two advantages of Spring trees are profuse blooms and a large variety of choices. The blooms on these trees add to a sense of joy with the return of Spring and adds a multitude of colors to any landscape. You can choose from a variety of Spring blooming trees. This means you can spread the bloom times out between early spring, mid spring, and late spring to enjoy color the entire season.  

Like other landscape elements it is sometimes hard to envision what a tree will look like on your property. Luckily, my 3D landscape designs allow you to see exactly how trees and other landscaping elements will look like in your yard before landscaping installation occurs!

Spring Trees

Nature provides so many wonderful trees to choose from to consider for your landscape design. I would highly recommend any of the flowering trees below for show-stopping blooms, hardiness, and attractive habit and leaves. Below are a few of my favorite Spring trees that look stunning in landscape designs. I share where each plant grows and their optimal growing conditions.

If you missed the other parts in this blog series, please check out this hardiness zone map as a reference point. The Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is in zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade to full sun. They need moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

Click here for more information on Dogwood.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. These plants need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on the Redbud. *Note: These blooms emerge from the stems!

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia X soulangeana)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. They need moist, acidic, organically rich and well-drained loamy soil.

Click here for more information on Saucer Magnolia.

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on the Star Magnolia.

Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun, partial shade, or mostly shade. These plants need well-drained, moist, acidic soil.

Click here for more information on the Flowering Cherry.

Amelanchier (Amelanchier arborea)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. These plants prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soil.

Click here for more information on the Amelanchier.

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Medium moisture, well-drained, slightly acidic soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on Carolina Silverbell.

Spring Trees Provide Shade and Beauty. See How They Look in Your Yard with 3D Design!

From bulbs to trees, I hope you have enjoyed this four-part blog series on Spring plants. If you are considering adding trees or other plants, you do not have to guess what they will look like in your front or back yards. My 3D landscape design allows you to see exactly how they will look on your property, before anything is even planted. Get started today by calling me at 336-848-7164 or complete this easy contact form.

I look forward to discussing all your landscaping needs and making your outdoor oasis vision a reality! Be sure to check out my Instagram page (@3Dlandscapearchitect) for landscaping inspiration ideas and more fun facts on Spring plants!

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Hellebornes, Primroses, and Irises… Oh My! Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 2 – Spring Perennials

This is part two of four in a series on Spring plants. Part two covers Spring perennials.

No landscaping is complete without beautiful plants. Every plant brings its own unique beauty and grace to a front or back yard. Spring is the perfect time to ‘branch’ out and try new plants in your yard!

In part one of my Spring plants blog series, I discussed Spring bulbs. Today, I want to share some information about Spring perennials.

Perennials are the perfect touch of color and nature’s beauty for any landscape. If you are unsure of where to begin when it comes to plants, do not fret. I work closely with all my clients to create a design that utilizes plants that will compliment all their landscaping features. Best of all, my 3D landscape designs show you exactly how everything will look once completed.

Can you smell the flowers yet?

Spring Perennials

For those who are not savvy about all things in the gardening world, most perennials tend to grow foliage in their first year and bloom in their second year. Best of all, these plants usually live and prosper for several years.

Below is a selection of some of the perennials I often incorporate in my landscape designs. I have included information on where each grows and the optimal growing conditions for each plant.

In case you missed it in part one, I recommend you look at this hardiness zone map as a good reference point. As you will see the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Hellebores (Helleborus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. They need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Hellebores.

Bleeding Heart – Dicentra (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. These plants need rich and moist soil.

Click here for more information on the Bleeding Heart.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. They need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Creeping Phlox.

Bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia)

Hardiness Zones: 4-10

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to heavy shade. Moist and rich loam or clay soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on the Bergenia.

Candytuft (Iberis)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun. These plants need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on the Candytuft.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Varied from sun to shade. These plants prefer humus-rich soil.

Click here for more information on the Primrose.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade. Rich, moist, and well-drained soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on Solomon’s Seal.

Iris (Iris germanica)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun. They need deeply cultivated, rich soil to flourish.

Click here for more information on the Iris.

Spring has Sprung! Why Wait Any Longer for Your Dream Oasis?

Are you daydreaming of beautiful plants blossoming in your yard now? Make this dream a reality by calling me today at 336-848-7164 or complete this easy contact form to get started.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we are devoted to designing your dream yard and being with you every step of the way.

Do not forget to follow my Instagram page for more information about Spring plants and pictures of these glorious pieces of nature! Be on the lookout for part three of this series where we discuss Spring shrubs!

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Spring Is Here – Finally! Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 1 – Spring Bulbs

This is part one of four in a series on Spring plants. Part one covers Spring bulbs.

If I were to create a version of the ‘My Favorite Things’ song, it would absolutely include various Spring plants. From cheery daffodils to the graceful tulip, I love Spring in the south. I absolutely adore seeing the vibrant Spring floral display the Piedmont Triad is offering right now.

Today’s blog discusses Spring bulbs. They are an amazing addition to a front or back yard. Each bulb adds a touch of color and nature’s magic to any landscape design. Not sure what plants will look best in your new landscape design? Do not worry, I can advise on what plants will look best and advise on what might not compliment your yard’s aesthetics. My 3D landscape design service also lets you see how they will look first-hand before anything even blooms!

Now, who is ready to learn about some gorgeous plants?

Spring Bulbs

The harbingers of spring are our southern bulbs. Below are some of my favorites and ones that are commonly used in southern landscape designs. I have included information on where each grows and the optimal growing conditions for each bulb.

Before we dive in, I recommend you check out this hardiness zone map. It lists all the zones in the continental United States in number format. As you will see the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. Ideally, they should have at least six hours a day of bright sun. They should also have well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Daffodils.

Crocus (Crocus sativus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to light shade. This bulb needs light, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Crocus.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. These bulbs require moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Hyacinth.

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. In cooler climates does not require as moist soil, but in warmer clients does need moister soil.

Click here for more information on Snowdrops.

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Sun or partial shade. Preferably, they should be planted in an area that does not have direct or strong sunlight.  These bulbs need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Bluebells.

Tulips (Tulipa)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. These bulbs need to be planted in an area that is protected from strong winds. They require well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Tulips.

Allium (Allium sativum)

Hardiness Zones: 4

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sunlight. However, they can survive in partial shaded areas as well. They need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Allium.

Please note, you might have noticed that most of the bulbs prefer well-drained soil. That is because too much water and moisture will lead to rotting.

Spring Bulbs Pair Perfectly with Any Landscape Design

Are you ready to have a gorgeous backyard oasis and start watching those spring bulbs bloom every year? At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we work closely with every single client on all details, including plants. We partner with you to create a yard you will enjoy for years to come. Get started today by giving us a call at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form.

Be sure to follow my Instagram page to see fun facts about Spring plants! Do not miss part two of this series where we discuss Spring Perennials!