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!

Pollinator Gardens Part 1: Why Help the Birds and Bees with Your Backyard Plantings?

This is a two-part blog discussing pollinator gardens. Part 1 covers why you should have a pollinator garden.

If you love flowers, then it is important to create a sustainable place for pollinating ‘friends’. Think back to your grade school days when you learned about pollinating. If it’s been a while, it might seem a little fuzzy. Don’t worry I’ll share some of the important pollinator information you’ll need when considering a pollinator garden.

Pollinator Facts

Here are some interesting and important facts on pollinators. Did you know??

·       Over 75% of all flowering plants, including those that grow fruits and vegetables, are dependent on animal pollinators.

·       While there are many factors to pollination, pollinators are one of the biggest components to pollinating flowers.

·       Honeybees are not the only pollinators. Other pollinators include, but are not limited too:

o   Butterflies

o   Hummingbirds

o   Moths

o   Beetles

o   Bats

o   Wasps

o   Flies

·       Pollinators are on the decline due to many environmental factors, such as habitat loss and pesticides.

·       Over 85% of all food-related crops need pollinators for their survival.

Benefits of Pollinator Gardens

It is important to have flowers and plants that you love. However, you can choose beautiful plants that also help increase the pollinator population.  

There are so many benefits to selecting a pollinator garden. A few are:

·       Pollination among your plants

·       Helping the environment

·       Saving pollinators

·       Creates a natural and healthy space in your backyard

If you are not a fan of buzzing around you while relaxing your morning coffee or evening glass of wine, then you can still have a pollinator garden and enjoy your backyard at the same time. Two great ways to get around that are:

1.       Screened-in Porch

2.       Placement of the Pollinator Garden

Dreaming up Your Very Own Backyard Oasis?

Ready to start creating your own pollinator garden or reimagine your backyard to include one? Call Hawkins Landscape Architecture today at 336-848-7164 to get started! 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!

Don’t miss next week’s part two blog on plants to include in your pollinator garden!