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!

Project Highlight Part 2: Backyard Oasis for Post-pandemic Enjoyment

This is a two-part blog discussing the different outdoor living elements of this project. If you missed last week’s part one, click here.

I’m absolutely in love with this outdoor living project, which Southern Exposure Landscape Management* installed. It incorporates so many popular outdoor living design elements that are ideal for total backyard enjoyment.

In this second part, I’ll share about their new firepit, plantings, and outdoor lighting.

Enjoy and Stay Warm Around an Open Firepit

Whether it is for roasting marshmallows, staying warm on a cool fall North Carolina evening, or sitting and watching mesmerizing flames, a firepit provides all those opportunities for families.

When combined with a relaxing seating area, like in this project, a fire pit is a great setting for enjoying family time or entertaining friends. Can you imagine sipping a glass of wine while listening to the crackling fire?

This firepit has a boulder border and pea gravel floor. Both materials create a quaint and stunning fire pit area. There is an abundance of materials available to build fire pits. So, if this look doesn’t match your backyard, then do not worry…  at Hawkins Landscape Architecture we partner closely with all clients to ensure they get the outdoor oasis they are dreaming of building.

What is a Backyard Oasis without Plants?

Choosing the right plants for your backyard oasis is equally as important as choosing the right outdoor living elements! You want plants that you love looking at and match the feel and ambiance of your yard and house.

For this project, it included all new plantings. A few plants selected for this backyard project include:

·       Distylium Vintage Jade

·       Cypress Dwarf Hinoki

·       Butterfly Bush Lo and Behold

·       Camellia Sasanqua

The sky really is the limit when it comes to picking plants for your outdoor living space. We will work closely with you to choose plants you love looking at and are just the right maintenance level for you.

Let There be Light

This project utilized low voltage lighting. Southern Lights designed and installed all this amazing low voltage lighting. I love working with this company and highly recommend them.

It is one of the more common landscape lighting choices due to its many benefits. A few advantages of low voltage lighting are:

·       Improves ambiance during twilight or evening hours.

·       Provides visual security for an outdoor space.

·       Is more energy-efficient choice.

·       Utilizes less energy, meaning a lower power bill.

·       Less likely to overheat.

·       Run longer and endure a longer lifespan.

·       Flexibility to use anywhere in your outdoor space.

Dreaming up Your Very Own Backyard Oasis?

Don’t wait any longer to create the backyard oasis of your dreams! Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164 to get started on your very own amazing project!

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I always work closely with every client to create their dream backyard. Additionally, my 3D landscape design allows clients to actually see what the new space will look like on their property before construction begins.

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

*All photos by Southern Exposure Landscape Management

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

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!

View fullsize

View fullsize

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!

View fullsize

View fullsize

Camellia Sasanqua- The 'Other Camellia' is The Flowering Beauty of the Fall

While most southern gardens sport at least one ‘Old-Timey’ Camellia, i.e. Camellia japonica, I tend to prefer her more versatile and beautiful sister, Camellia sasanqua. Many gardeners are not as familiar with the use of this gorgeous shrub/small tree.  It has many applications for small and large gardens here in zone 7-8- let’s take a look at a few reasons why you may want to try it in your garden:

Smaller, More Manageable Size: A typical Camellia japonica can grow into a very large shrub, limiting its use in some applications. Camellia japonica can grow upward of 15’ tall in some areas with a 10’ spread. The sasanqua, on the other hand, keeps a more manageable size of 10-12’ x 4-5’ wide. Dwarf varieties have also developed, in the 3-4’ range. One such variety is ‘Chansonette.’

Flowers and Foliage: Sasanquas also have a finer texture to their leaves than Camellia japonica. At about half the size of japonicas, the leaves are a glossy green, finely toothed and emerge with a bronze color.  Sasanqua blooms are typically in the fall and winter when there are limited floral displays among other plant materials. The blooms have quite a variety of hues, with single, double and semi-double blooms in shades of pink, red, white and other varieties. Almost all have yellow centers. In the picture below, a group of 3- Camellia sasanqua ‘Cleopatra’ grace a corner of one of my planting designs.

Color and Fragrance: Camellia sasanqua is most closely related to the Tea Camellia, Camellia Sinensis, whose blooms exude a tea-like fragrance.  Many of the sasanquas also have fragrant blooms, such as‘Pink Yuletide’, ‘Fairy Blush’ or Marge Miller.’

Interesting uses: There are many unconventional uses of the Fall blooming camellias in the landscape, here are just a few:

•    Tree-form: This practice is commercially used on other evergreens such as hollies. The natural habit of the Camellia is to grow to the ground, in a shrub form. To ‘tree-form’ a plant is to remove the lower branches, allowing a full crown of evergreen leaves to remain at the top. The effect becomes that of a small tree, which can have many applications in the landscape.

•    Espalier: Growing a tree or shrub flat against a wall or another structure is an ancient practice that ‘trains’ the Camellia by pruning. Spring and fall pruning by removing the outward growing branches, and tying or tacking the remaining branches to the structure allows the camellia to grow ‘flat.’ The outcome is truly breathtaking when the Camellia is in bloom.

•    Sheared Hedge: Although I don’t normally suggest this practice, I have seen Cam. Sasanqua maintained successfully as a large sheared hedge. The flowers are still spectacular. You will need to maintain it, however, with consistent shearing or your hedge will get away from you!

New Varieties: New varieties are always being developed. Here are a few:

•    ‘Stephanie Golden’ – sports a light rosy fragrance.

•    ‘Kumarsaka’- Bright pink flowers with a yellow center.

•    ‘White Doves’- White semi-double flowers, only growing 4-5’ high.

Colder climates also can enjoy Camellias with the ‘Ice Angel’ varieties. These new cold hardy camellias will bring a touch of color to zone 6 winter gardens.

See more and follow me on INSTAGRAM!