![\"red](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/39770128425_b31bd4bee4_k-1-1.jpg\")
Native plants are an important part of the local ecosystem. They’re a great benefit to pollinators and thrive in the conditions you’ll find right in your own backyard and areas like Pikes Peak. If you’re looking for new flora to fill your outdoor space with, there are no better candidates than the ones that call […]
\n","content":"\nNative plants are an important part of the local ecosystem. They’re a great benefit to pollinators and thrive in the conditions you’ll find right in your own backyard and areas like Pikes Peak. If you’re looking for new flora to fill your outdoor space with, there are no better candidates than the ones that call your state home, including these 8 native plants for Colorado Springs.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David Prasad / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed twig dogwood is a deciduous flowering shrub native to Colorado. Its name comes from its distinctive red branches. This shrub likes a lot of sun and water, so make sure it gets plenty of light and give it supplemental water if you don’t get a lot of rainfall. It makes a great border plant for either paths or the landscape itself and prefers low elevations.
\n\n\n\nPlat type: Flowering shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist yet well-drained, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Floral
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRubber rabbitbrush is a drought-tolerant deciduous native shrub with tubular yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to autumn and that pollinators love, hummingbirds in particular. Its name comes from the scent its leaves have when crushed, which some have described as rubbery.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to grow rubber rabbitbrush in your Colorado Springs landscape, it makes a great border hedge for your backyard or an ornamental plant by itself. It is mildly toxic, so make sure to keep pets and small children away.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained clay, sandy, or loam soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Described as pineapples by some and rubber by others
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late summer to autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 4 to 7 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Do not consume. Slightly toxic to livestock.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"mahonia](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/46305790921_55d5e82fc2_k-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCreeping mahonia is a Colorado native evergreen shrub and a great low-maintenance choice for your backyard. Its beautiful yellow flowers bloom in spring and grow edible berries that can be made into a delicious sour jelly. It can tolerate some shade and grows in a variety of soil types and pH balances, making it a good hardy plant that can grow where others can’t.
\n\n\n\nIn the winter, creeping mahonia’s green leaves turn from their usual color to a striking red hue that can vary from mauve to rose. It’s a great ornamental plant for garden beds or containers and can be used as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Evergreen shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers a moist yet well-drained chalk, loam, or sandy soil with an acidic or neutral pH balance
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Opuntia.compressa\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Opuntia.compressa.7689.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Olaf Leillinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t mind a few sharp needles, the prickly pear cactus is a great addition to a Colorado Springs landscape. Like most cacti, it loves the sun and doesn’t need a lot of water. The flowers it grows in the summer are beautiful and attract many pollinators, bees in particular.
\n\n\n\nPrickly pear makes a great ornamental plant, either in a bed or individually. As cacti, they’re wonderful for xeriscaping, but can still fit right in no matter what kind of landscape you have. Just make sure not to walk barefoot around them.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Cactus
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 0.5 to 1 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: The plant’s spines can cause irritation, pain, or infection if they splinter and lodge in the skin.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/black-eyed-susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is one of the most common wildflowers in the United States. It has moderate water needs but won’t need too much extra once it’s established, and it does best in an area with full sunlight. It grows well in acidic soil and can tolerate many soil types, making it a hardy, low-maintenance plant that’s good for areas of your landscape that can’t support other blooms.
\n\n\n\nIf you grow black-eyed Susan, keep in mind that it can spread, so you’ll need to take precautions to keep it away from your other plants. Planting them in a container will keep them isolated. If you plant them in a bed, separating clumps every few years should keep them from encroaching on other flowers. You can also deadhead them to keep them from reseeding.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9, though this can vary by species
\n\n\n\nSun: Full Sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers a moist yet well-drained clay, sandy, or loam soil with an acidic pH balance
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial/short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer to August
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Colorado-Blue-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Morefield / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for native plants for a Colorado Springs landscape, there’s no better candidate than Colorado’s state flower. Colorado blue columbine, also known as the Rocky Mountain Columbine, is a perennial wildflower with star-shaped purple and white flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. It can tolerate some shade and has moderate water needs.
\n\n\n\nBlue columbine prefers a well-drained soil that still has some moisture. It’s a great ornamental plant for a container, a flower bed, or bordering a path. This plant is poisonous, but not dangerously so, and is ignored by common garden pests such as rabbits and deer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist yet well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Slightly poisonous. Do not consume.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Colorado-Blue-Spruce.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe blue spruce is Colorado’s state tree, making it the perfect choice for a tree for your landscape. It’s an evergreen that prefers full sun, requires a moderate amount of water, and likes a well-drained soil. Its season of interest ranges from late summer to early fall.
\n\n\n\nBlue spruce is best used as a centerpiece for your landscaping. At 30 to 60 feet fully grown, it tends to dominate the space, so an open area is best whether you put it in your front or back yard. If you need to prune it, do so carefully to avoid harmful stress on the tree.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist yet well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil with an acidic or neutral pH balance
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nSeason of Interest: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 30 to 60 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pollen can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ponderosa-Pine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPonderosa pine is another Colorado native tree, one that can live for hundreds of years. It’s an evergreen that stays lush and beautiful year-round, and grows even bigger than a blue spruce. Ponderosa pine prefers full sun and has moderate water needs, but it is still a low-maintenance tree that can make a great addition to a Colorado garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full Sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Pine
\n\n\n\nSeason of Interest: Year-round
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 60 to 100 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Pine nuts and pollen can set off allergies
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\nAlthough native plants will thrive in their local habitat, they still have their individual preferred growing conditions. Before planting anything, make sure you understand your outdoor space’s soil, sun, and precipitation so that you can pick the plants that will do the best in it.
\n\n\n\nColorado Springs lies in USDA hardiness zone 5, which means that its lowest temperatures can reach between negative 20 and negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Many native plants can tolerate this zone comfortably, but some other native plants may not do as well in these temperatures.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that some plants may also be native to only certain parts of the state, in which case they may have a harder time than you would expect. For example, a flower that’s native to areas like Denver or Aspen may not be native to your Colorado Springs garden.
\n\n\n\nIt varies depending on the exact plant, but generally, yes, native plants require much less maintenance than non-native ones since they’re already in their natural habitat.
Unfortunately, yes. Under the right conditions, even a native plant can become invasive and push out the other flora in your garden. The smooth sumac is a good example of this, as even though it’s a Colorado native, it can take over your landscape if you don’t control it properly.
It depends on the plant. Different flowers and trees will have ideal planting seasons. Do some research to find out what time of year is best for planting the native plants you have in mind.
If you need ideas for native plants to put in your Colorado Springs property, there’s no better place to look than its natural areas. Take a hike through areas like the Garden of the Gods park and make note of good-looking flora that you’d like in your outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nHowever, in order to make sure your plants are sourced ethically and so as to not disrupt a sensitive ecosystem, never take them directly from the wild. The Colorado Native Plant Society recommends several retailers you can purchase native plants from.
To give your native plants the admiration they deserve, surround them with a landscape that’s well maintained and in tip-top shape. Hand your yard maintenance chores over to a local lawn care professional who can mow the turfgrass, edge the lawn, and trim the hedges.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Monarda menthifolia (horse mint) (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA) / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nCats and dogs are curious by nature and will sniff or lick the chemicals you spray on your lawn. That’s why you need to know how to choose pet-safe weed killers.
\n\n\n\nRather than worry about an emergency trip to the vet, we’ll tell you how to select the safest weed killers for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nMany weed and grass killers contain toxic chemicals, which can cause serious harm to your pet. Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine found that using lawn chemicals, like glyphosate, increases a dog’s chance of developing cancer by up to 70%.
\n\n\n\nWhen looking for a pet-safe weed killer, pay close attention to the labels and check the active ingredients, certifications, types of weeds the product treats, and whether it’s a weed killer or weed preventer. Even if a product is labeled as “organic” or “pet-safe,” you still need to check what’s in it.
\n\n\n\nSome ingredients commonly found in animal-friendly herbicides include:
\n\n\n\nIf a product says it’s certified, do a little research and verify the organization or governing body that issued the certification. Some reputable organizations include Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), which are private, non-profit groups.
\n\n\n\nYou should avoid using any chemical weed killers containing:
\n\n\n\nSeveral companies like Get Sunday, Preen, Green Gobbler, and Dr. Kirchner specialize in effective pet-safe weed killers that won’t harm your grass or flowers.
\n\n\n\nYou can make several homemade weed killers and avoid exposing your dog or cat to harsh chemicals. Make sure your homemade weed killer doesn’t contain anything that could harm your pet. Safe options include:
\n\n\n\n1. What are the symptoms of weed killer poisoning in pets?
\n\n\n\nThe signs to watch for include:
\n\n\n\nIf your pet displays these symptoms and you suspect they were exposed to toxic chemicals, contact your vet immediately.
\n\n\n\n2. How long should I wait to let my dogs on the lawn after applying a weed killer?
\n\n\n\nWait at least 24 hours to make sure the product has completely dried before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it. Watering your lawn the next day will help the products dissipate.
\n\n\n\n3. What do I do after spraying weed killer to keep my pet safe?
\n\n\n\nWait a couple of days and pull up the pesky weeds. Make sure you get the root. If the roots are intact, the weeds can grow back. Wait at least two days after applying weed killer to mow.
\n\n\n\n4. Are there any downsides to pet-friendly weed killers?
\n\n\n\nYes. They don’t work as quickly, can be less effective on certain weeds, and vinegar-based solutions can increase the salt levels in your soil.
\n\n\n\n5. How do pet-safe weed killers work?
\n\n\n\nMost ingredients like vinegar, salt, and soap, dry out the plant, and corn gluten meal prevents seeds from sprouting.
Got a yard full of weeds but little time to get rid of them? We can help you find an eco-garden pro or lawn care professional who can handle the problem while you and your furry friend relax.
Main photo credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5018773466833542,"src":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1789c/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/107df/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 320w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/293e9/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 500w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/f2cbb/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 800w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1789c/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 960w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/c26c2/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1dd6e/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/67b76/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 320w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/8df11/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 500w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/98a65/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 800w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/1dd6e/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 960w,\n/static/c42c657baa31a5ab6e3a5f8f035e5c31/3cc96/rsz_white-puppy-dog-cute-alone-isolated-1003821-pxherecom.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How to Choose Pet-Safe Weed Killers | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"You can avoid an expensive trip to the vet if you know how to choose pet-safe weed killers for your lawn."}}},{"node":{"id":"b14cd4fe-4f86-5be2-a13e-469d23684933","slug":"best-native-plants-milwaukee","path":"/lawn-care/wi/milwaukee/best-native-plants-milwaukee/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"b1cda10d-ab68-5c45-b93c-b382b813fb0e","name":"Milwaukee","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/milwaukee/"},{"id":"9503671f-e071-545d-b382-450feba6b3a6","name":"Wisconsin","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/wi/"}],"date":"April 7th, 2023","excerpt":"After visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found […]
\n","content":"\nAfter visiting the art galleries in The Historic Third Ward, you may want to bring some of Milwaukee’s historic charm home with you. While you can’t grab a stage from one of the Third Ward’s theaters, you can set up your yard to reflect the city’s outdoor landscape and the Wisconsin native plants. We’ve found 9 native plants that thrive in Milwaukee’s short, mild summers and cold winters.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/9518319219_495c9ab151_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNew England aster is a Milwaukee favorite because it blooms for at least 6 weeks, starting from late summer to late fall. It’s built to withstand the cooler temperatures of southeastern Wisconsin.
\n\n\n\nThis flower will stop you in your tracks with its bright pink-reddish daisy-looking petals. As they droop and close at night or when it’s cloudy, they appear to fall asleep. They awaken by reopening to show off their yellow center when the sun returns.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster can tower to heights of 6 feet, easily signaling to butterflies to come and have some of its nectar. If grown in the right conditions, this plant saves you money by reseeding if not cut back after it flowers.
\n\n\n\nNew England aster thrives well in yards with a lot of sun or just a little shade. It’s usually found growing as a prairie plant. Use this daisy look-alike in butterfly gardens and borders.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. May require staking or other support if it grows tall. Pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coneflower-Echinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower’s trademark is its double-flower. A bushier, smaller array of smaller petals resembling pom-poms sit atop longer petals.
\n\n\n\nIt’s a contest between which is more striking, the purple coneflower or the New England aster. Both are rich in color. Also called pink double delight because of its pink-purplish double flowers, the purple coneflower is well-adapted to Milwaukee winters. The flower blooms until the first frost.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll see these flowers generously decorating meadows and prairies. They add wonderful excitement to pollinator gardens, wildflower gardens, and borders. If pink is not your favorite color, no worries. The purple coneflower has cultivars that come in many colors and sizes.
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is great for homeowners that don’t want to replant every season. Like the New England Aster, the purple coneflower reseeds if the seed heads are not removed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you like bright flowers, the stunning orange petals sprouting from butterfly milkweed’s wide green leaves will be an asset to your garden. On the other hand, if you have children, you may want to stay clear of this plant or use it with caution. This perennial herb, which also goes by the name butterfly weed, is not an herb you want to cook with. It has low poison severity, and all parts are considered poison. It can cause vomiting or spasms if ingested and skin or eye irritation when touched.
\n\n\n\nButterflies, bees, and hummingbirds flock to butterfly milkweed for the nectar. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed plants for their existence, so you’ll give back to the ecosystem by planting this nonedible herb in your butterfly garden.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed likes to be left alone once planted, so make sure you’re certain when you give it a home. It doesn’t transplant well. Fortunately, it’s pest and disease tolerant and requires little maintenance. It’s a great addition to borders and cottage gardens in yards where small children and pets do not wander into the vegetation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. Possible skin and eye irritant if touched.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red_Columbine_3630187830-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou can see why red columbine is also called little lanterns. The red and yellow tubular flowers droop. Sometimes the petals can be found flaring out a little, exposing their yellow stamens. This flower may not be ideal if people tend to discard lit cigarettes on your property. Red columbine is moderately flammable.
\n\n\n\nRed columbine is most at home in soils that remain moist and on properties that get a lot of sun. But it will adapt to partial shade. The flowers come in early spring and only last about a month. But the bright green leaves stay through the summer and make a wonderful groundcover.
\n\n\n\nPlanting these little lanterns allows you to give hummingbirds and other birds a reason to visit. Touching the sap could irritate the skin, so be careful. This plant is easy to grow and a great way to complement a city garden or add some flavor to underplantings for roses and shrubs.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Weekly or whenever the soil is completely dry
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; deadhead blooms as needed, cut back in late summer
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Showy-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dseiver / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nShowy goldenrod’s bright yellow cluster of small petals looks optimistically toward the sky. The flower has medium flammability, so it’s best planted away from areas where the barbeque grill is fired up. It works well with other wildflowers and adds sunshine to wildlife gardens, borders, or flower beds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s well-adapted to most soils, so if you have dry or poor soil, showy goldenrod will not let you down. It even self-seeds. The butterflies and birds coming for a nibble are a nice treat for homeowners, but get ready for the bees and beetles it also attracts.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: July to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Medium flammability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low to Medium; May have to divide it every 2 years for size management.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5992418976_afc9bf5fe7_o-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMake sure no one uses this flower as an ashtray, as it’s moderately flammable. Flammability appears to be a theme with many of these native Milwaukee plants. But don’t let that scare you away. This flower makes up for its fire rating with other desirable qualities, like being tolerable to multiple soil types, including poor soil, which is not uncommon in Milwaukee.
\n\n\n\nThe wild bergamot’s essential oil is a natural repellent to certain mosquito species, which is another benefit of this native plant. The lavender tubular flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. If Bambi and Bugs Bunny like to visit your yard, you’ll appreciate the deer- and rabbit-resistant qualities of wild bergamot.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Shallow, rocky soil or clay that’s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Yes; of mint and oregano emitted from foliage
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Natural rainfall should be sufficient; withstands dry soil for a while
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Moderately flammable/risk of fire
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low; drought-tolerant, resistant to deer and rabbits
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Prairie_Blazing_Star_Liatris_pycnostachya_-_9395264385-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: wackybadger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis flower blooms from the top down. For four weeks or more, these purple, white, or pink fuzzy flowers sit atop tall multi-pronged grass-like leaves. Milwaukee bird lovers love to send these stars blazing in their gardens because they’re easy to grow and maintain, and they feed birds in the winter.
\n\n\n\nBlazing stars are cold, heat, and drought tolerant. Use them as perennial borders or in native gardens. If you’re trying to impress someone who appreciates nature, put some in a dried flower arrangement as a gift. They’ll stand out like a captured shooting star.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low, does not need additional watering once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 5 feet, depending on species
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: N/A
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low once established; They require deadheading regularly, which is pruning away seed heads and old growth to allow re-flowering and new growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rattlesnakemaster-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Crazytwoknobs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nRattlesnake Master has a q-tip looking, ball-shaped appearance at its tip. The white parts stick out like porcupine needles. This perennial forb tends to clump together in clusters when growing.
\n\n\n\nIt’s forgiving of soil type, as it thrives in many types, but it prefers well-drained soil. Rattlesnake master is drought-tolerant, so it should work well in a xeriscape design. It has no known toxic hazards to humans, but it has sharp, spiky leaves, so you may not want to touch it.
\n\n\n\nPlant this evergreen in city gardens, or use it as a border or in your flower garden. This plant gets floppy if grown in too much shade. Unless you want wilted-looking plants, make sure this rattlesnake is placed somewhere with lots of sun.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Evergreen wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers loamy, dry sand and well-drained soil; Adapts well to most soil, including clay and shallow rocky soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Mid-summer
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Low once established
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None known
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"dark](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American_elderberry_Sambucus_canadensis1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou may already be familiar with the health benefits many attribute to elderberry. Elderberry is an eye-opener with its bright green leaves. It also encourages you to take a deep breath to inhale its lemon-scented white flowers that bloom in the summer.
\n\n\n\nBirds flock to the dark berries. If the birds aren’t stingy, they leave a little of the fruit to be made into jellies and jams. The best part is the elderberry wine that is made from this deciduous shrub. But you must be careful to prepare the plant properly. If ingested uncooked, it can make you sick. This plant is great for hedges and, of course, edible gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Deciduous Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Summer, typically between June and July
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Prefers moist soils but once established, tolerates periods of drought
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide/
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Uncooked berries and other plant parts contain a chemical that can cause nausea and vomiting
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape.
\n\n\n\nWhile native plants are adapted to the local environment, each plant has its own unique characteristics and needs. Choose plants that thrive best on your property’s conditions and your maintenance schedule. For example, if a plant needs a lot of water and you have no irrigation system and don’t plan on watering it regularly, it’s not the best choice.
\n\n\n\nBe familiar with your property’s soil type. You don’t want to buy plants that thrive best in well-drained soil if your soil tends to retain water. You also want to be mindful of plants that may be harmful to pets or children, if you have any.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line is that it’s best to choose plants that are well-suited for your yard’s conditions, your availability for upkeep and maintenance, and your family’s composition and lifestyle.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant is about six weeks before the hard frost, which is when the temperature is consistently below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually in September and October.
Native plants help maintain the Milwaukee ecosystem and create a natural habitat and food source for local butterflies, pollinators, insects, birds, and wildlife. Native species are adapted to the city’s climate, so they take less work to maintain and require less water and fertilizer.
Knowing your area’s hardiness zone helps you pick plants that thrive best in that climate. Milwaukee is in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5. Zones 3 and 4 also make up Wisconsin.
If you’ve been to Lake Park, you’ve seen native plants. Look around you as you’re driving or walking, and you’ll notice the beautiful native greenery and the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife they attract.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these local native plant nurseries in the Milwaukee area recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources:
\n\n\n\nPlant native greenery and watch your yard come alive with color, butterflies, and birds. You don’t have to stop there. Bring even more excitement to your property with other low-maintenance landscaping designs.
\n\n\n\nAnother secret to a low-maintenance yard? Leaving it to the pros. Connect with a local lawn care pro who can mow, trim, edge, and tend to the yard.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Purple coneflowers / James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/107df/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/293e9/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/f2cbb/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1789c/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/c26c2/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/67b76/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 320w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/8df11/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 500w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/98a65/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 800w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/1dd6e/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 960w,\n/static/4ab9d124daf2f094c0e5f8af9f53c49a/3cc96/38566472155_a9461e5865_k-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Milwaukee | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out the best native plants for Milwaukee to find plants that thrive in the city’s climate, plus information on where to buy native plants locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"f6b0b0e0-da8f-59fe-a29c-72229f6dc7a9","slug":"grass-around-pools","path":"/lawn-care/grass-around-pools/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"November 12th, 2019","excerpt":"Just picture it: getting out of the pool and walking around on soft, green grass instead of hard, hot pavement. It seems like a good idea — but there are some things to think about when it comes to poolside grass. Will the pool water affect the grass? How do I keep grass clippings out […]
\n","content":"\nJust picture it: getting out of the pool and walking around on soft, green grass instead of hard, hot pavement. It seems like a good idea — but there are some things to think about when it comes to poolside grass. Will the pool water affect the grass? How do I keep grass clippings out of the pool? Can a grass installation be as low-maintenance as hardscape around the swimming pool? Here’s what you need to know about grass around pools.
\n\n\n\nThe benefit to a concrete or tile pool deck is the maintenance — or lack thereof. At most, you might power-wash the deck at the beginning and end of the pool season, and it’s an easy continuation of your pool design. It also stands up to heavy foot traffic with no problem. Grass around pools, for all its comfort on bare feet and safety, needs more TLC. Two major concerns are water and mowing — water, because pool water may have an effect on your grass, and mowing because it can make a mess in the pool. But with a little effort, you can keep the grass around your pool from getting into your pool.
\n\n\n\nArtificial turf has come a long way in the last few decades, from that plastic, bright green stuff, to synthetic grass that looks real. You and your guests may not be able to tell it apart from natural grass at first glance. Fake grass doesn’t need mowing, fertilizing or watering — but it maintains the same look as real grass. And the best artificial grass will keep your feet cool and cushion any slips and falls as well.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass may also hold up better when doused by the chemicals in your pool. But keep in mind turfgrass can tolerate chlorine better than ornamental grasses and shrubs. If you accidentally spill full-strength chlorine on the lawn, you can flush the chemicals out of the soil with a heavy dose of water. The grass should bounce back without too much trouble.
\n\n\n\nSaltwater comes with different rules, and it depends on what kind of grass you have. Certain varieties, like Bermuda grass and seashore paspalum, tolerate saltwater pretty well. Seashore paspalum is used on golf courses, and watered with brackish water. But some varieties such as Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues will dry out and suffocate when hit with too much salt.
\n\n\n\nToo much salt in the soil will also impact other plants as well as water features, like a koi pond, as the salt leaches into the soil. That’s something to consider if you want to change your landscape design in the future.
\n\n\n\nA concrete pool deck won’t get quite hot enough to fry an egg, but it can get up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit — definitely too hot to walk on with bare feet. That includes any hardscape surface, like pavers, that are part of your pool landscaping. Grass is a terrible conductor of heat, so it’s safer and more comfortable for you, your family, and your pets in the pool area.
\n\n\n\nThere’s a reason the lifeguards at your local public pool are always screaming at kids to “WALK!” When you add water and some oily sunscreen residue and wet feet to a concrete pool deck, you’re looking at an easy recipe for injuries. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission posted a warning back in 1974. That warning about slippery pool decks lives on today because the danger is the same as it was more than forty years ago. The CPSC says, “Many severe injuries result from falling on slippery walkways and decks and falling from diving boards and ladders.” While slipping on grass is not impossible, it’s less likely, and the landing is softer. Safety should be a major consideration when designing your pool and deck.
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re installing a new pool, or making some upgrades to an existing one, both concrete and grass have pros and cons. Weigh them carefully before deciding which is best for you.
\n","title":"Grass Around Pools","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":0.99609375,"src":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1789c/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/107df/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 320w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/293e9/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 500w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/f2cbb/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 800w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1789c/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 960w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/28e3e/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.jpg 1020w","srcWebp":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1dd6e/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/67b76/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 320w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/8df11/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 500w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/98a65/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 800w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/1dd6e/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 960w,\n/static/a3e012b088c2698b9b908b0373e484d2/11d64/pool-swimming-pool-property-fence-leisure-palm-tree-1454847-pxhere.com_.webp 1020w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Around Pools | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"f9879681-f5b4-5ed2-93df-bd0a0ed130bc","slug":"tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative","path":"/blog/home-and-garden/tired-of-traditional-turf-try-a-grass-alternative/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Max Mustermann","id":"38f26ae5-e768-550f-a948-33b5a37f67de","path":"/author/roblawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7f12ece9fc89be73ee3b329da1a4eb0c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"a4b803e1-5b3a-516a-b5b4-c5b50b2ae834","name":"Home & Garden","count":19,"path":"/category/blog/home-and-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Traditional lawns are part of the American dream — an ocean of green covering nearly 2% of our nation’s area. But at what cost? Americans view the hassle of mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control our lawns demand as the price we pay for flawless turfgrass. The net effect is a bit grim. Cristina Milesi, […]
\n","content":"\nTraditional lawns are part of the American dream — an ocean of green covering nearly 2% of our nation’s area. But at what cost? Americans view the hassle of mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and pest control our lawns demand as the price we pay for flawless turfgrass. The net effect is a bit grim.
\n\n\n\nCristina Milesi, a NASA researcher who studies lawn area, says, “I estimate there are three times more acres of lawns in the U.S. than irrigated corn.” Her figures reveal turfgrass is the largest crop in America. “Each family may have only a small lawn,” she explains, “but once you add them all up, they have a big impact.”
\n\n\n\nGrass is needy. It needs a mower to manage its length and an edger to tidy its margins. It thrives in full sun and struggles in shady areas. It hungers for fertilizer and thirsts for water. In short, maintaining a grass lawn means spending a lot of time and money on lawn care.
\n\n\n\nThere are lawn alternatives that are low-maintenance and need less water than a traditional lawn. Here’s a selection of lawn replacements that can save you time and make your yard more eco-friendly.
\n\n\n\nTurfgrass isn’t all bad: It absorbs carbon dioxide and helps prevent erosion. But the non-native varieties used in the traditional lawn take large volumes of water and fertilizer. Native grasses thrive on poor soil, are drought-tolerant, and don’t mind partial shade. The best part? They require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nThe most common native is buffalo grass (pictured above), a bunch-type grass that once dominated the Plains. Others include bluestem, blue grama and switchgrass. Contact your local county extension agent to see what the most common varieties or blends do best in your area.
\n\n\n\nIf your goal is to reduce lawn maintenance, consider a product like No-Mow-Grass. There are two blends sold commercially under the No-Mow brand. One is a fescue mix for Northern areas where it freezes, and the other is a buffalo grass mix for hot, dry Southern climes. Despite the name, No-Mow-Grass needs mowing once a year in late spring or fall. Like any turf grass that sees heavy foot traffic, No-Mow lawns benefit from a core aeration every couple of years.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/creeping-jenny-groundcover-peter-stevens-cc20.jpg\")
Not all grass alternatives are green. Using mulch, gravel, or even artificial turf to cover large areas of the yard can be aesthetically pleasing and are obviously shade and drought tolerant as can be. The jury is still out on whether artificial grass is a good alternative to turfgrass. Mulch is a fine addition to garden and flower beds because it helps to control weeds, retains soil moisture, and breaks down over time, adding nutrients to the soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QlUzeqrntDZ8N_UfSNMSnnSunjCk2zWaeLEju6OOX3xGIPgKHDk4cfVcuRJl0yRafKRgaV06H3XNxfOpBaQLSq4vYOmFq9Y_Moa9G6WpBF5OKfQ3ggWjzRvhJMxGPOlEfttDpQOn\")
Offering compact, thick green growth, Dutch white clover is a perfect lawn replacement. Its root system generates nitrogen, reducing the need for fertilizing. You can achieve a more drought-tolerant lawn that requires less mowing by encouraging the growth of existing white clover patches. A mixed turfgrass and clover lawn can take heavy foot traffic better than a solid clover lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe bottom line? There’s no reason to support a needy front lawn when so many shade-loving lawn replacements exist. Find your groove, make your changes, and pat yourself on the back for doing your part to make the world a little greener.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Buffalo grass” by CAJC: in the PNW is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Tired of Traditional Turf? Try a Grass Alternative","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.439278937381404,"src":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1789c/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/107df/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 320w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/293e9/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 500w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/f2cbb/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 800w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1789c/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 960w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/e0195/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.jpg 1517w","srcWebp":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1dd6e/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/67b76/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 320w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/8df11/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 500w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/98a65/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 800w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/1dd6e/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 960w,\n/static/fffe31371e63fda79da4e920147a5ea0/bab36/rsz_buffalograss-carol-jacobs-carre-ccbysa20.webp 1517w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Tired of Traditional Turf? Try a Grass Alternative | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c9ce8e7c-95b6-526d-98f3-fc1c5df7edc3","slug":"best-native-plants-chesapeake","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/chesapeake/best-native-plants-chesapeake/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Based in the south of France, Jeffery holds a master of science degree from the International University of Monaco. His hobbies include hiking, cycling, and traveling across Europe.","name":"Jeffery Keusseyan","id":"75c05140-c87e-540a-8d34-da174527f4cc","path":"/author/jeffery-keusseyan/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/12a7b239a959b7f6feee4e4b9495d63f?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f1076f37-806d-507d-8f65-399329dc7a2a","name":"Chesapeake","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/chesapeake/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Located in the southwest of Coastal Plain, Chesapeake is blessed with a temperate climate where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. Additionally, locals can feel at one with nature by taking long walks in the Chesapeake Arboretum. To get the exact same feeling on your very own property, you can transform your backyard […]
\n","content":"\nLocated in the southwest of Coastal Plain, Chesapeake is blessed with a temperate climate where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. Additionally, locals can feel at one with nature by taking long walks in the Chesapeake Arboretum. To get the exact same feeling on your very own property, you can transform your backyard by growing the best native plants for Chesapeake.
\n\n\n\nNative plant gardens are generally low-maintenance, water-efficient, and highly beneficial in supporting the wildlife habitat. However, it is important to note that not all Virginia-native plants thrive in the Chesapeake area. The following section will list some of the best plants for your native Chesapeake landscape, along with their characteristics.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocated in South Hampton Roads, Chesapeake lies in USDA Hardiness zones 7b and 8a. The temperature typically varies from 34 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with muggy summers and cold, windy winters. Chesapeake is not prone to prolonged periods of extreme weather, allowing a variety of plant species to thrive and help boost the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a small deciduous tree that can also be grown as a large shrub. It is a popular landscape tree that is highly appreciated by many gardeners. Regarded as one of the best native trees, this plant’s blossoms give way to glistening orange-red fruits in the summer.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a valuable source of nectar and pollen to the area’s wildlife, including a wide variety of birds and butterflies. With no routine pruning necessary, this species is a valuable and low-maintenance addition to your native plant garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Grows best in part shade but can tolerate full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Slightly fragrant
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, sometimes reaching up to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRed maple is an attractive, fast-growing deciduous tree that is quite popular among homeowners looking to revamp their backyard. In addition to its lovely fall color, it is just as attractive during the winter with its smooth gray bark. Tiny red flowers start to appear in early spring, followed by red fruits.
\n\n\n\nDuring the hot summer months, this tree will provide enough shade to help you enjoy those outdoor naps away from the sun. Red maple requires little pruning, though you may treat it with fertilizers before the leaves emerge. It is perfect as a specimen plant for lawns and roadsides.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet cherry or almond flower scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to horses
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eastern-redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nEastern Redbud, also known as ‘Ace of Hearts’, is a deciduous tree with unique and irregular branching patterns. Reddish-purple flowers cover the bare branches in the spring. This tree has an attractive foliage of heart-shaped, dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nUsed for shrub borders or as a specimen plant, eastern redbud can provide your native garden with an elegant touch. More importantly, this tree attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; watering schedule depends on your soil type, but you should water about once per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Requires little pruning
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Cardinal_flower_Lobelia_cardinalis_027.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower is a magnet for beneficial insects, butterflies, and hummingbirds. From midsummer to early spring, this upright perennial boasts densely packed flower spikes with cardinal red, two-lipped blossom. It also has a foliage of glossy bright green leaves.
\n\n\n\nNot regarded as an invasive plant, the cardinal flower plant may self-seed in ideal growing conditions. It works great in butterfly, cottage, and rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Winterberry-Ilex-Verticillata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\nWith a foliage of dark green leaves, winterberry is a slow-growing deciduous shrub that adds color to your winter landscape. It produces small, greenish-white flowers in late spring followed by cherry red berries. In order to get these berries, you will need to plant both a male and female shrub. The male plant must belong to the same species and bloom at the same time as the female.
\n\n\n\nWinterberry flowers have no scent, but are a great pollination source for bees and other beneficial insects. This native shrub is perfect for hedges or as a specimen plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, acidic
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazard: Might be toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-witch-hazel.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nAmerican witch hazel is a great addition to your native landscape. Planted as a deciduous shrub or small tree, it produces pale yellow flowers that bloom in fall and early winter. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like crinkled petals. The oval, light green leaves turn golden yellow for a colorful and aesthetically pleasing fall foliage.
\n\n\n\nAs a fun fact, the American witch hazel is the species from which medicinal witch-hazel extract is made.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweetly scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September to December
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune in spring to control its shape and size.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American_Beautyberry_6172956232.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Virginia State Parks staff / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerfect as a specimen plant, American beautyberry is an easy-to-grow perennial with showy, magenta-colored fruits. These showy berries may persist even after the leaves have fallen. For the best possible fruit production, consider planting these shrubs in groups. As a bonus attribute, the American beautyberry is hurricane wind resistant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Citrus
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low (one inch per week)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-Eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed susan and purple coneflower come from the same plant family, but differ in their appearance and color. This native flower’s name is derived from the dark brown center of its daisy-like flower head.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators due to the nectar found in its flowers. It is important to note that it can become aggressive if given too perfect an environment and insufficient competition. This native flower performs very well in landscapes, butterfly gardens, or as cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Depending on growing conditions can act as a biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring, summer, early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average (moderate drought tolerance)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Chokeberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is a tall, multi-stemmed shrub with a foliage of glossy dark green leaves that turn red in the fall. It produces white to light pink flower clusters along its branches. In late summer, these flowers are followed by red berries that persist well into winter.
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is an excellent addition to your native landscape with high wildlife value. It is a source of nectar and pollen to native bees and butterflies. Additionally, this plant’s fruits are an excellent food source for a variety of songbirds and migratory birds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet-scented
\n\n\n\nBloom time: February – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Close-up](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Buttonbush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon buttonbush is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that boasts spherical flower heads from early summer to early fall. In addition to being a great plant to your native garden, this species is often used to restore wetlands, control erosion, and create wildlife habitats.
\n\n\n\nCommon buttonbush attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. It is perfect for rain and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Dried flowers and leaves smell like freshly-mown grass
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 12 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"File:Viburnum](\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Viburnum_dentatum_3zz.jpg/800px-Viburnum_dentatum_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nSouthern arrowwood is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with creamy-white flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer. The flowers are followed by blue-black berries that are devoured by birds and small mammals. Additionally, southern arrowwood is very attractive to birds, butterflies, and native bees. This native plant is a must for bird gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial sun, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Musty, unpleasant scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAs mentioned above, Chesapeake lies in USDA hardiness zones 7b and 8a. Though all of these plants are native to the area, not all of them might be suitable for your yard.
\n\n\n\nBefore purchasing any of these native plants, you should double-check on your property’s soil type, exposure levels, and water availability as a starting point. Each of these factors can affect the plant’s growing ability in your backyard.
\n\n\n\nChesapeake has more miles of deepwater canals than any other American city. The larger Chesapeake Bay area and its rivers support a wide variety of underwater grasses.
Some of these aquatic plants include:
● Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica)
● Eelgrass (Zostera marina)
● Horned Pondweed (Zannichellia palustris)
Just like every other city in the country, Chesapeake has a list of invasive species that homeowners and professional landscapers seek to avoid. Such invasive or non-native plants could prevent the native ones from thriving, and might even attract unwanted pests to or near your property.
Some of the invasive species in the area are:
● Phragmites
● Purple loosestrife
● Water chestnut
Did we need any more reasons to enjoy summer? Chesapeake nature lovers might already be aware of this, but the area is host to a bunch of native trees that produce sweet, edible berries. Searching for these wild berries is also a great way to spend time with your family and friends.
These are the 5 common edible berries in the Chesapeake area:
● Wild strawberries
● Red mulberry
● Serviceberry
● Raspberries
● Blueberries
The great thing about native plants is that they are not so hard to find. Plant species native to Chesapeake will grow naturally in forests, national parks, wetlands, and even near your own property.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, there are several nurseries and garden centers that sell native plants to help with your backyard transformation. Not only do they sell plants, but they also have the knowledge to answer questions regarding native species and how to grow them properly.
\n\n\n\nBelow are some local nurseries and native plant centers:
\n\n\n\nFor more information on wildflowers, wildlife service, and native plant sales throughout the state of Virginia, visit the official webpage of the Virginia Native Plant Society.
\n\n\n\nIf the backyard chores are taking up too much of your fun time, hire a local lawn care professional to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Pxhere
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Chesapeake, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/1789c/Red-Chokeberry.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/107df/Red-Chokeberry.jpg 320w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/293e9/Red-Chokeberry.jpg 500w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/f2cbb/Red-Chokeberry.jpg 800w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/1789c/Red-Chokeberry.jpg 960w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/c26c2/Red-Chokeberry.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/1dd6e/Red-Chokeberry.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/67b76/Red-Chokeberry.webp 320w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/8df11/Red-Chokeberry.webp 500w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/98a65/Red-Chokeberry.webp 800w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/1dd6e/Red-Chokeberry.webp 960w,\n/static/cf2bb3d58503129b0db7eb6d6bfd3db8/3cc96/Red-Chokeberry.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Chesapeake, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Explore how you can spruce up your backyard and help support the local wildlife with some of the best native plants for Chesapeake."}}},{"node":{"id":"1b462fef-a527-58cb-8788-eca85bd398dc","slug":"best-native-plants-northern-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/northern-virginia/best-native-plants-northern-virginia/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Cecilia Acevedo is a professional writer, translator, and mom who loves God, reading, and a good rainy nap. She combines her passion for writing with her love for the colorful world painted by her children.","name":"Cecilia Acevedo","id":"0fc0b86b-7672-540a-a0af-58a8d66c6781","path":"/author/cecilia-acevedo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/75c4cb2a06e5f57c7018b7cb365dd82d?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"5dd0bcb4-bbab-5a8b-9920-c939eab0b702","name":"Northern Virginia","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/northern-virginia/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Northern Virginia has some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. With rolling hills, sprawling forests, and winding rivers, it’s no wonder that residents and visitors alike are drawn to the region’s natural beauty. One of the most rewarding ways to connect with the environment is by planting the best native plants for […]
\n","content":"\nNorthern Virginia has some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. With rolling hills, sprawling forests, and winding rivers, it’s no wonder that residents and visitors alike are drawn to the region’s natural beauty. One of the most rewarding ways to connect with the environment is by planting the best native plants for Northern Virginia that thrive in this unique environment.
\n\n\n\nLearn more about eight native plants that will add color, texture, and interest to your Northern Virginia backyard. From vibrant wildflowers to amazing groundcovers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this guide.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer the following benefits:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red-Columbine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe red columbine makes a spectacular and eye-catching addition to any Northern Virginia backyard. Its upright stems boast spurred flowers adorned with vivid scarlet sepals, yellow petals, and copious yellow stamens.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, even after the blooms have withered away, this plant develops into a charming ground cover that adds depth and intrigue to your garden. Additionally, red columbine has a natural tendency to self-seed, ensuring an endless array of vibrant hues that will grace your garden year after year.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Semi-evergreen perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 – 10 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The sap may irritate the skin.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Low. For enhanced blooming, it is advisable to remove the faded flower stems. Trimming the stems to ground level is recommended when the foliage begins to decline.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want an effortless but captivating element in your yard, consider adding the common yarrow. This plant forms clumps and showcases dainty clusters of soft pink flowers on strong, upright stems, which will capture the attention of fluttering butterflies and bees.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, common yarrow is exceptionally low-maintenance, making it a perfect option for individuals with busy schedules who desire to appreciate the charm of native plants in their outdoor areas.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: The fragrance of the plant is frequently characterized as strong, with some comparing it to chrysanthemums, whereas others perceive it as having a resemblance to cabbage.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and early autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To achieve an extended blooming season, it is advisable to regularly remove spent flowers. Once the initial blooming has ceased, trim the plant considerably to maintain a tidy and well-proportioned appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Wild-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConsider adding the Yellow Wild Indigo if you desire a joyful and low-maintenance plant. Its charming, petite pea-like flowers in vivid hues of yellow to creamy white are sure to infuse your garden with a sunny disposition. As a native plant, it is attractive. It entices pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it an ideal inclusion for any garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand. Acid. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 – 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous if consumed in large quantities.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. It is advisable not to relocate this plant once it has established itself. Attempting to grow it from seed may pose a challenge.
\n\n\n\nThe white turtlehead is a mesmerizing and beautiful native plant species that showcases dense terminal spikes of two-lipped, pink-tinged, or white flowers resembling a turtle’s head.
\n\n\n\nIncorporating the white turtlehead into your garden will make your space unique and intriguing. It entices pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, infusing your outdoor area with vibrancy and liveliness.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer and autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low.
\n\n\n\n![\"Maryland](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Maryland-Golden-Aster.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BeckyLaboy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want to incorporate a touch of golden radiance into your backyard, consider the Maryland goldenaster. This stunning plant flaunts brilliant yellow flowers illuminating any garden with their cheerful glow. Moreover, the Maryland goldenaster is a sturdy and versatile species that can flourish in different soil types and lighting conditions, making it an adaptable inclusion to any backyard scenery.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer and autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To encourage prolonged blossoms, remove spent flowers regularly. During the winter season, trim the plant down to the ground.
\n\n\n\n![\"Spring](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Spring-Beauty.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dcrjsr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntroducing spring beauty to your yard will create a dazzling burst of beauty. Its star-shaped, pale pink and white flowers will not only please your eyes but also attract pollinators to your backyard. Additionally, spring beauty is a groundcover plant that spreads widely, forming a carpet of foliage that enhances the texture and intrigue of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: It exudes a subtle and refined fragrance that combines hints of delicate sweetness, muskiness, and florals.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to moderate.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 10 inches
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. It rapidly naturalizes through bulb offsets and self-seeding.
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3694407592_5d15f78c77_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Calvin Webster / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Eastern Rose-mallow is a native shrub with magnificent hollyhock-like flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or burgundy, blossoming from midsummer to autumn. Not only does it tolerate heat, humidity, and wet soil, but it also has a slight salt tolerance, making it an ideal option for gardeners living near the coast.
\n\n\n\nAlthough individual flowers have a brief lifespan, the blooming period usually endures for a month, offering ample time to relish the plant’s stunning beauty in your home garden.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer to early autumn.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. To maintain a neat appearance of your plant, remove each flower as it withers. In late autumn, trim the stems to approximately 3 to 4 inches. Although new growth may slowly emerge in the spring, it will advance swiftly once it commences. Regularly fertilizing your plants during the growing season is advisable to encourage robust growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Turk’s-cap](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks-cap-Lily.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shenandoah National Park / Flickr / Public Domain Mark 1.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Turk’s-cap Lily is a stunning herbaceous plant that grows up to 8 feet tall and features striking clusters of orange-red flowers that resemble Turk’s-cap hats. This native plant adds beauty to your yard. It supports local wildlife, as it’s a favorite of hummingbirds and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nWith its adaptability to the region’s climate and soil, the Turk’s-cap Lily is an excellent choice for Northern Virginia yards. Including this plant in your landscape will add a distinctive and captivating element to your home.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: With subtle notes of citrus and spice, this plant emits a pleasant, sweet fragrance.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to wet.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to cats.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Moderate. For the bulb to grow at its best, it is recommended to plant it 5 to 6 inches deep and add a layer of mulch to keep the soil moist.
\n\n\n\nAlthough native plants can enhance any garden, it is essential to acknowledge that not all will flourish in your yard. Several factors, such as sunlight, soil quality, and irrigation, must be considered when selecting plants.
\n\n\n\nNorthern Virginia is situated in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7, so ensure that you choose plants appropriate for this area. To guarantee your garden’s triumph, select plants that can adapt to the conditions of your land. Doing so will result in an attractive landscape that enhances the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nThe conservation of biodiversity relies heavily on preserving areas of native vegetation remnants. Such areas support a rich and diverse ecosystem that benefits the environment by:
• Purifying water and air
• Regulating the climate
• Maintaining soil quality
• Providing essential resources and food for native animal species.
Native plants are preferable to non-native plants to promote a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
There are plenty of native plants you can choose from. Here’s a list of them:
• Whorled Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)
• Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida)
• Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
• Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
• Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
• Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
Generally, plants thrive in potting soil that is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Watering once or twice a week is often enough in spring and summer. However, during fall and winter, plants require less frequent watering. Keep in mind that the watering needs of plants vary depending on their species and your location.
Southeast Virginia’s native plants include:
• Red chokeberry
• Common buttonbush
• American beautyberry
• American witch hazel
• Common winterberry
• Eastern redbud
• Flowering dogwood
• Black huckleberry
• Butterfly milkweed
• Beebalm
Plants native to Virginia’s Capital Region include:
• Black oak
• Willow oak
• Sassafras
• Common partridge-pea
• Smooth oxeye
• Arrow arum
• Wild pink
• Red chokeberry
It’s recommended to buy native plants from local nurseries. Plants purchased from a local nursery are usually better adapted to the area’s climate and soil, making them more resilient and easier to care for.
\n\n\n\nLocal nurseries are often experts in native plants, and their staff can provide valuable advice on planting and maintenance.
\n\n\n\nVisit the Virginia Native Plant Society website to explore the available sustainability programs and native plant guides and learn about the significance of using native plants in Northern Virginia.
\n\n\n\nAs you embark on your landscaping project in Northern Virginia, remember that selecting the right plant is only the first step. Maintaining your lawn’s health is equally important to ensure your landscape’s long-term success.
\n\n\n\nLooking for a Virginia lawn care pro near you? We have trusted lawn care pros in Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria, and in many more cities across Northern Virginia.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Northern Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1789c/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/107df/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 320w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/293e9/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 500w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/f2cbb/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 800w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1789c/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 960w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/c26c2/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1dd6e/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/67b76/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 320w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/8df11/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 500w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/98a65/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 800w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/1dd6e/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 960w,\n/static/f16e7d2c19e049ddb9f6f531a10e8df7/3cc96/Virginia-Spring-Beauty.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Northern Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover 8 best native plants for Northern Virginia. These low-maintenance plants not only add beauty to your landscape but also promote the sustainability of the local ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"d51626b4-31cf-532e-a90e-587dd42960c6","slug":"benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn","path":"/blog/landscaping/benefits-xeriscaping-your-lawn/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Kelly Holland","id":"87ed81cb-6dc6-5b6f-8673-e295fb5aa8f3","path":"/author/karen/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a7bdc84bcad759506a493dca25650999?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4fa4848-36b3-57c3-925d-ae36e49e878f","name":"Garden Landscape","count":8,"path":"/category/garden-landscape/"},{"id":"cfca3a30-772e-535e-90a9-3056dfc1de8c","name":"Home & Garden","count":15,"path":"/category/home-garden/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"October 14th, 2019","excerpt":"Keeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; […]
\n","content":"\nKeeping a lawn healthy and green through the height of a hot summer, is hard enough. It gets even harder if you live in a drought-prone area such as Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, or Texas. That’s why xeriscape landscaping is so popular in those areas. Xeriscaping doesn’t mean you have to fill your yard with cacti; it just means you use plants and landscaping that needs little water. So if you’re ready to give up those water-hungry plants and lower your monthly water bill, join the crowd.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/1a-vG2kR6WgTmvVLrtHGejLDqaXJP7j2caONyxpIKfaY03T4HnZ3oBoykjLVJghuVhJDwX-4j3Q65fY9n-qnuvSwzp47hMKKBDboA6msh62_4igT70m74vd0WECRDRi5yHHlR39X\")
The term “xeriscape” comes from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry. Denver Water, the city’s utility service, coined and copyrighted the word in the 1980s when Colorado was experiencing a worse-than-usual drought. The water department looked at the soil in most yards, (clay soil doesn’t absorb water quickly), and the types of sprinkler systems people were using. The city began by offering rebates to people who used drip irrigation and turfgrass that requires little water. You’ll notice by the front of the office, the utility practices what it preaches.
\n\n\n\n“Traditional Kentucky bluegrass is lush and hardy, but it requires a substantial amount of water in our semi-arid climate,” according to Denver Water. “One way to use less water is to reduce the amount of bluegrass turf in your landscape. Native or low-water-use plants, patios, decks, or mulches can beautify your landscape while saving water. Also, try planting turf such as buffalo grass, blue grama grass, turf-type tall fescue, and fine fescues to reduce water use in your landscape.”
\n\n\n\nThe North Marin Water District, which provides water to Novato and other communities just north of San Francisco, offers a “Cash for Grass” program that pays rebates to customers who remove lawns and plant approved low-water plants instead. In 2019, almost 15,000 square feet of turfgrass were converted.
\n\n\n\nThe district also saw xeriscaping as a way to stop people from fertilizing their lawns and gardens. Native plants and grasses are adapted to the soil, so they need few amendments. What little they need can be provided by grass clippings and other organic matter … things that won’t harm the ocean or waterways.
\n\n\n\nAs long as you’re making your lawn water-wise, go a step further and make your garden more efficient. Plant drought-resistant plants such as agave, juniper, yarrow, and lavender. Many herbs and spices are also drought-tolerant, such as thyme, sage, and oregano. The native and drought-tolerant plants will also attract local wildlife and pollinators to your garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ZEhlju3G6ZCAaw6jn0gF2iZIqU1ztxS2JYJ6ajV9qWS-KrBC-xAfbEPjHrfGxAVLpjz0WqDPWLQqTkfa_foDgJQcwANxKrtTtNGVAQxl5yDwbCgOuaV0Z-am26dM57JqO8OkkT2L\")
If you’re ready to take the plunge and xeriscape, don’t rush out and dig up all your flowers and turf. Start by mapping out your yard, noting where the shade trees are and which areas get the most sun. It’s also a good idea to see how much rainfall your yard gets in a typical year. You want plants that will thrive with the water nature provides.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re not crazy about drought-tolerant grasses, consider a rock garden or mulched border around your patio and yard. Mulching around trees and plants helps keep moisture from absorbing. Plant ground covers around sloped areas to prevent any water from running off. While a completely hardscaped backyard may sound appealing, check with your city or county. Some municipalities, including Austin, Texas, require a percentage of your land to be landscaped, to prevent rainwater from pouring into the street.
\n\n\n\nThe Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as much as 50% of irrigation water usage is wasted. By opting for a xeriscaped yard, you can save hundreds of gallons of water from being squandered over just one scorching summer. So go ahead and plant a cactus and other succulents. Your lawn will look sharp for years to come.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: Downtowngal, CC-by SA-3.0
\n","title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.549636803874092,"src":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/107df/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/293e9/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/f2cbb/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1789c/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/356ef/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/67b76/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 320w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/8df11/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 500w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/98a65/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 800w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/1dd6e/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 960w,\n/static/1a560cb647dca998e80837d4991465b5/93f70/1280px-Xeriscape_2_Hidden_Meadows.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Lawn | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"c36b05a7-74f1-5c15-b3a6-19dac76c309b","slug":"everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass","path":"/blog/landscaping/everything-to-know-about-kentucky-bluegrass/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Emaley Baxter is an expert landscaper who loves writing in her free time. She enjoys research and exploring the great outdoors.","name":"Emaley Baxter","id":"c006aa66-4cfc-59dc-b3ce-5c07b0f83ff0","path":"/author/emaleybaxter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/889dbc1c9ea88d564723019ac6c9b47b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"c16818a6-3923-5fc7-a49b-191ac48bf4d2","name":"Blog","count":81,"path":"/category/blog/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"August 27th, 2019","excerpt":"For many lawn owners in the Northern half of the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is synonymous with the ideal lawn, and for good reason. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a lush, dense, and durable lawn that lives up to its historic reputation. Part of the charm […]
\n","content":"\nFor many lawn owners in the Northern half of the United States, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is synonymous with the ideal lawn, and for good reason. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a lush, dense, and durable lawn that lives up to its historic reputation. Part of the charm of a healthy Kentucky bluegrass lawn is its rich emerald to blue-green color. Add to that its medium to fine texture and a Kentucky bluegrass lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet and outdoor activities.
\n\n\n\nOften referred to in the grass industry by its initials KBG, Kentucky bluegrass quickly rose to become a premier lawn grass throughout much of the country. While the state of Kentucky may be known as the “Bluegrass State,” Kentucky bluegrass did not actually originate there. Like many common turf grasses in the United States, this widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia (1). Its first use in the U.S. was as a pasture grass in locations such as Kentucky, where it still covers the state’s well known gently rolling hills. KBG is what is known as a perennial, cool-season lawn grass. This means it comes back year after year and grows most vigorously during the cool seasons of fall and spring. KBG has the greatest cold hardiness of all the common cool-season lawn grasses (2). It is used most extensively in northern climates where moderately warm summers and cold winters follow with its natural preferences and growth cycle.
Compared to tall fescue, traditional Kentucky bluegrass varieties have relatively shallow roots, which typically lead to lower tolerances for heat and drought (3). Historically, this has restricted the widespread use of KBG south of the climatically challenging ‘transition zone’, where higher heat and humidity favor warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia and St. Augustine grass.
\n\n\n\nUnlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a true self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Once established, it spreads readily by using underground stems (known as rhizomes) to form a dense and thick turf. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Depending on your grass growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. During extreme heat or extended drought, the grass will go dormant. However, it recovers quickly with irrigation and a return to normal conditions.
\n\n\n\nKBG establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass (1). Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas. Look on the seed tag label of many grass seed mixes, including shade and sun & shade mixes, and you’ll find KBG varieties mixed with other cool-season grasses. Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass’s strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns. Durable KBG is also a regular component of seed mixes for athletic fields.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass seed is better adapted to high foot-traffic and compacted soil. This makes the grass ideal for yards with children and dogs, park areas and sports fields. For the most part, Bluegrasses have the ability to recover from injury and disturbance due to their spreading rhizomes. This also gives them excellent winter hardiness. When properly watered during its growing seasons, bluegrass will grow back and fill-in after freezing, drought and periods of high-traffic.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass matures into a beautiful, sod-forming turf with a fine texture and blue-green blades that form dense, spreading mats. Regular mowing will help bluegrass become thick, lush and uniform lawns.
\n\n\n\nWhile Kentucky bluegrass is lovely for many reasons, it can not achieve its full beauty on its own. This grass actually requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its absolute, but the results of the extra tender loving grass care can be worth it.
\n\n\n\nWith Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season lawn grasses, the best time to plant seed and do major lawn maintenance is during early fall, as KBG growth progress is at its peak. Because of KBG’s rhizomatous growth, the grass develops thatch easily, which can add to drought stress and potential for disease. Depending on your mowing and care practices, your KBG lawn may need dethatching every year or two.
\n\n\n\nWise water management is essential for Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Deep, thorough irrigation helps encourage deep root growth, while shallow, frequent watering discourages proper growth. During normal weather, a typical KBG lawn needs at least 1 inch of water weekly from irrigation or rainfall. During warmer weather and in the transition zone, 2 inches or more per week may be needed (1). While the relatively shallow roots of traditional KBG varieties historically required more water than tall fescue or most warm-season counterparts in similar situations, modern developments have greatly improved water efficiency.
\n\n\n\nLike other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass should be mowed higher than warm-season grasses. Warm-season Bermudagrass, for example, is routinely kept near 1 inch tall, but KBG should be mowed to 2 to 2 1/2 inches high. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, recommended KBG mowing heights increase to 3 to 4 inches (1).
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass lawns typically require more fertilizer than tall fescue and other grasses. In alkaline soils, blades can lose their rich green color due to pH-induced iron deficiency. The optimal soil pH for KBG lawns is near 5.8 to 7.0. (2) Regular soil testing every three to four years can help you maintain a healthy pH balance and rich KBG color with the help of quality lawn fertilizers, soil amendments and mineral supplements (3).
\n\n\n\nWhile this might seem like a lot of maintenance items to keep up on, as we’ve shown the benefits of KBG can definitely outweigh the time and energy required to keep the grass at its peak.
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass seeds will tolerate limited shade but grow best in full sun. Some varieties of bluegrass have been bred to be more tolerant of shading, but dense shade is a limiting factor to the vigor of a bluegrass lawn. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). Due to shallow roots, bluegrasses will quickly go dormant if subjected to extended drought or under-watering.
\n\n\n\nStill unsure of how to best care for your Kentucky Bluegrass lawn? Check out your state’s agricultural extension office for helpful tips and soil testing kits that will help you determine your best lawn care plan.
\n\n\n\nIf you live in the northern or central United States and your lawn needs call for a durable and wear-resistant cool-season lawn that can grow thick and lush, Kentucky Bluegrass may be the perfect solution providing you seasons of turfgrass.
\n\n\n\n\n\nSources:
\n\n\n\n1. Duble, R.L., “Kentucky Bluegrass,” Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
\n\n\n\n2. Patton, A. and Boyd J., “Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns,” University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension.
\n\n\n\n3. Cook, T., “Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Pratensis L.,” Oregon State University Department of Horticulture.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: Source
\n","title":"Everything to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.4987951807228916,"src":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/9461e/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/107df/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/293e9/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/9461e/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.jpg 622w","srcWebp":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/fb518/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/67b76/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/8df11/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/7279b0894b04d112c26a7194a6a759bd/fb518/kentucky-bluegrass-lawn.webp 622w","sizes":"(max-width: 622px) 100vw, 622px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Everything to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"This is the comprehensive Kentucky Bluegrass guide. Read more to find out characteristics, maintenance do's and don'ts, and more!"}}},{"node":{"id":"644212a9-909a-5b8a-8d89-c22c5562a00c","slug":"grass-paver-driveway-why-how-build","path":"/blog/landscaping/grass-paver-driveway-why-how-build/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Jay Keaton is a lawn care specialist who focuses on organic pest control. His yard is filled with chrysanthemums, basil, borage, marigolds and other plants that repel bugs.","name":"Jay Keaton","id":"aa1543ca-6fab-5e4b-bd0c-12f87aa13f51","path":"/author/jay-keaton/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6abb3b96ee2a6dcce741112f06af213b?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"October 15th, 2019","excerpt":"Forget the rules about not driving on the grass. One of the newest trends is a green driveway — where the grass and the hardscape work together to create erosion control, flood prevention, and landscaping harmony. In other words, it looks good, and it’s good for you. Here are some tips on how and when […]
\n","content":"\nForget the rules about not driving on the grass. One of the newest trends is a green driveway — where the grass and the hardscape work together to create erosion control, flood prevention, and landscaping harmony. In other words, it looks good, and it’s good for you. Here are some tips on how and when to build a grass driveway.
\n\n\n\nAs cities and signs of human sprawl grow, so does the amount of impermeable cover, such as concrete parking lots and asphalt streets. That’s what’s causing more surface and stormwater pollution, putting a strain on the water table. As the city of Houston found out in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey hit, too many hardscapes cause widespread flooding.
\n\n\n\nThe United States Geological Survey reports, “In a developed watershed, much more water arrives into a stream much more quickly, resulting in an increased likelihood of more frequent and more severe flooding. Frequent flooding causes problems for residents and also the local government, which has to clean up sand and sediment deposited after a flood.” The less impervious hardscape you have, the more places rain or flood water has to go before it reaches your home.
\n\n\n\nPavement is also responsible for the urban heat island effect. If it feels like summer in cities are getting hotter, you can thank all the impermeable surface.
\n\n\n\nOne solution at home could be a grass driveway.
\n\n\n\nGrass driveways are made with stormwater permeable pavers — essentially, pavers with holes where grass can grow through. Water runoff is absorbed into the grass and soil, not the streets and sewer system. It reduces the amount of impermeable cover around your home, making it more environmentally friendly, and lowers your risk of flooding.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/grass-paver-driveway-center-for-watershed-protection-cc20-1024x768.jpg\")
In addition to the environmental reasons, homeowners considering expanding their buildings may have reason to consider a grass driveway. Many government agencies restrict the total amount of impervious cover on individual properties. For you to get that building permit to add on a master bedroom or a new patio, you may have to reduce your impervious footprint elsewhere on the property. Grass driveways represent one way to do so.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/hg23Ec8bDHP9tfpJgmqkNBqCRv0iX8u_WfcLMYCtiPk8rPWSvFWRhBKD4bO5hokj5AGv4KFlKd36zwhcPZPXUUSaxcLDkaGqzdXy528joJes04TQIXCquOAi_Xq30lwhEOkRyNpB\")
Grass pavers, also known as grow-through pavers, will cost a little more than traditional driveway pavers.
\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of advantages to using them. There are also some drawbacks.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to preventing flooding, erosion, and stormwater runoff, you’re surrounding your home with more greenery. The more green there is in your environment, the better it is for your mental health. It’s also aesthetically pleasing and looks much nicer than a traditional concrete driveway.
\n\n\n\nThe plastic pavers are durable and can support the weight of several cars, so, yes you will have drivable grass. That’s why some businesses are now using the concept for their parking lots. The paving kits offer easy installation, and unlike a concrete driveway or patio, you don’t need to hire a landscape designer for the project.
\n\n\n\nThink of grass as a thousand tiny plants. They produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. A 25-square-foot area of healthy lawn provides enough oxygen for one adult. The carbon dioxide these plants absorb helps reduce global warming.
\n\n\n\nThe major downside is the maintenance. Like your lawn, a grass driveway will need mowing, edging, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. If you don’t want to use your lawn mower on your driveway, you might consider a gravel driveway. Gravel offers some of the same permeable cover benefits, but not the environmental perks of a grass driveway.
\n\n\n\nThe impact of our hardscaped world can’t be denied. Whether it’s a riverbank worn away by erosion, or groundwater that isn’t replenished and more severe flooding, stormwater causes lots of damage. One grass strip may not change the world, but it’s one step in the right direction — and it looks good, too.
\n\n\n\nMain image credit: “Driveway,” Jeremy Reding, CC-bySA-2.0
\n","title":"Grass Driveways: Why, How to Build One","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5005861664712778,"src":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1789c/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/107df/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/293e9/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/f2cbb/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1789c/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/356ef/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1dd6e/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/67b76/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/8df11/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/98a65/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/1dd6e/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/c902518dfa7e85fe01aa3a3d87f3fef0/93f70/rsz_grass-driveway-pervious-pavers-jeremy-reding-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Grass Driveways: Why, How to Build One | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"30cdd0f8-6f1a-588d-a36a-0e3b67cbbe0f","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-louisville","path":"/lawn-care/ky/louisville/low-maintenance-landscaping-louisville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bf9d3d3b-daa0-503e-afcb-a4dbbfdca111","name":"Kentucky","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"375b515d-eb5e-5e24-b5e8-f6cd7d6c2e83","name":"Louisville","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/louisville/"}],"date":"March 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Your weekends in Louisville should be spent sipping mint juleps or cheering for your favorite horses at Churchill Downs instead of tirelessly working on your lawn care. It’s time to explore low-maintenance landscaping ideas that minimize outdoor chores and maximize your leisure time in the Bluegrass State. With low-maintenance landscape design, you can save time, […]
\n","content":"\nYour weekends in Louisville should be spent sipping mint juleps or cheering for your favorite horses at Churchill Downs instead of tirelessly working on your lawn care. It’s time to explore low-maintenance landscaping ideas that minimize outdoor chores and maximize your leisure time in the Bluegrass State.
\n\n\n\nWith low-maintenance landscape design, you can save time, effort, water, and reduce the need for weeding, mowing, and managing pests. You can also strike the perfect balance between a stunning landscape and a relaxing weekend.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll delve into:
\n\n\n\n![\"Butterfly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnnuals may be eye-catching with their vibrant colors, but they only last one growing season. For a more sustainable and low-maintenance option, consider switching to drought-tolerant perennials suitable for full sun or partial shade in your front yard or garden design.
\n\n\n\nDrought-tolerant perennials are a practical choice because they need less water and maintenance, and they return year after year. These plants not only provide beautiful blooms, but also attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting a healthy ecosystem in your yard. By choosing perennials that are adapted to Louisville’s climate and sunlight conditions, you can create an attractive and low-maintenance garden that enhances your outdoor space.
Some heat-tolerant perennials for Louisville include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The average cost of a perennial plant varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNative plants are the easiest-to-care-for greenery you can add to your Louisville garden layout. They support a lively habitat and flourish in Louisville’s weather while being tough enough to endure the chilly season.
\n\n\n\nNative plants often have a natural resistance to common pests and diseases found in the area, reducing the need for pest control or constant lawn care. Incorporating these plants into your garden design not only simplifies maintenance but also supports the local ecosystem and enhances the overall beauty of your yard.
\n\n\n\nSome Louisville native plants to consider include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
Estimated cost: Native plant prices can vary depending on the species and size, with an average price range between between $5 to $30 per plant, $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree.
\n\n\n\n![\"gardener](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Bed-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulching is an excellent low-maintenance landscaping solution for Louisville locals, as it provides numerous benefits for both plants and gardeners. It helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and insulates plant roots from extreme temperatures. This makes plants healthier and easier to care for.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, organic mulches like wood chips or tree bark decompose, adding nutrients back to the soil. As a result, mulching is a practical and eco-friendly option for creating beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes.
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Typically, the majority of homeowners spend around $17 to $68 per cubic yard of mulch or $2 to $5.50 per bag. Should you choose to have it professionally installed, anticipate an added cost of $20 to $45 per cubic yard or $43 to $98 per hour.
\n\n\n\n![\"Patio](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Patio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscaping is a landscaping technique that involves using non-living elements, such as rocks, pavers, or concrete, to create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. It’s an excellent option for homeowners looking to create visually appealing outdoor spaces that require less time and effort to maintain.
\n\n\n\nIncorporating hardscaping elements, such as walkways, patios, retaining walls, and decorative stone borders, can help minimize the need for constant upkeep like mowing, weeding, and watering. These features not only enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space but also provide functional areas for activities and entertainment.
\n\n\n\nHardscape features include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Prepare to invest between $15 to $30 per square foot for a new deck, depending on your choice of pressure-treated pine or composite deck material. The average cost of a 280-square-foot paver patio is $3,350, while a basic pergola comes in at approximately $4,000.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rain](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rain-Garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRain gardens are a sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping feature designed to capture and absorb stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. These gardens help prevent flooding, reduce water pollution, and recharge groundwater, making them an eco-friendly addition to any landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to their environmental benefits, rain gardens also offer aesthetic appeal. With a variety of native plants, they create a visually attractive space that attracts birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This contributes to a healthier and more diverse ecosystem in your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rain gardens:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of installing a rain garden depends on its size and complexity. On average, expect to spend between $3 to $5 per square foot for a DIY project or $10 to $20 per square foot for a professionally installed rain garden.
\n\n\n\n![\"Sweet](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sweet-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: AfroBrazilian: Aleksandrs Balodis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGroundcover plants are low-growing, spreading plants that form a dense mat over the soil surface, making them a valuable addition to low-maintenance landscapes. By effectively covering bare soil, these plants help prevent soil erosion, suppress weed growth, and retain moisture, resulting in less time spent on watering, weeding, and other maintenance tasks.
Some popular Louisville groundcovers include:
Advantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Ground cover plants cost around $4 to $40 each, depending on size and variety.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtificial grass, also known as synthetic turf, is a popular low-maintenance landscaping option that replicates the look and feel of natural grass without the need for regular mowing, watering, or fertilizing. Made from durable synthetic fibers, artificial grass is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, long-lasting lawn solution.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass is also an eco-friendly option, as it reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can negatively impact local ecosystems and water sources. It also ensures your lawn will have a vibrant and green appearance year-round, regardless of weather conditions or seasonal changes. By installing artificial grass in your landscape, you won’t have to contact a landscaping service to keep your lawn green throughout the year.
Advantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of artificial grass varies depending on the type, quality, and installation. On average, expect to pay between $5 to $20 per square foot for materials and installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Hens](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hens-and-Chicks-growing-amid-other-succulents.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Robpinion / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSucculents are a diverse group of plants characterized by their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. This unique adaptation makes them an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscaping, as they require minimal watering and care to thrive. With a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors available, succulents offer endless possibilities for creating visually appealing and easy-to-maintain outdoor spaces in Louisville.
\n\n\n\nSome hardy succulents for Louisville gardens include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price of succulents depends on factors such as size, variety, and location. Typically, you can expect to spend between $3 to $15 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Karl](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Karl-Foerster-Reed-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrnamental grasses are low-maintenance, versatile plants that add texture, movement, and color to your Louisville landscape. They thrive in various conditions, including full sun to partial shade, and are well-suited to Kentucky’s climate. Ornamental grasses come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and growth habits, making them an excellent choice for any garden design.
\n\n\n\nSome ornamental grasses for Louisville landscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ornamental grasses:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of ornamental grasses varies depending on the size, variety, and location. On average, expect to spend between $8 to $25 per plant.
\n\n\n\n![\"Floral](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Floral-arrangement-of-petunias-in-Columbus-Ohio.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ElenaSchifirnet / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContainer gardening is a versatile and low-maintenance way to create a beautiful landscape in Louisville. It allows you to grow plants in various container types and sizes, making it perfect for homeowners with limited space, such as a small front porch or balcony. Container gardens can include anything from flowering plants, herbs, and vegetables to small trees and shrubs.
\n\n\n\nSome plants suitable for container gardening in Louisville include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of container gardening:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of container gardening depends on the container type, size, and the plants you choose. On average, expect to spend between $5 to $50 per container and $3 to $20 per plant.
\n\n\n\nNewly planted native plants may require regular watering during the establishment period, which typically lasts for one to two years. Once established, most native plants can survive on rainfall alone. However, during periods of prolonged drought, it may be necessary to provide supplemental water to help them thrive.
Hardwood mulch is the most popular choice for Louisville gardens, as it is locally available and works well with the area’s native plants. Additionally, hardwood mulch breaks down slowly, providing nutrients to the soil and suppressing weeds.
Hardscaping is an excellent option for Louisville’s climate, as it is durable and able to withstand the region’s temperature fluctuations and precipitation patterns.
Creating a low-maintenance landscape in Louisville is possible with the right plants, hardscapes, and techniques. By considering the local climate, hardiness zones, soil types, and native plants, you can design a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, by including groundcovers, perennials, and native species, you can save time and energy and support a healthy ecosystem for pollinators.
Don’t hesitate to explore more options in creating a low-maintenance landscape for your home. Connect with local lawn care professionals who understand the unique needs of your region. This way, you can get back to relaxing and sipping mint juleps without worrying about your lawn’s upkeep.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Jambu2021 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Louisville ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":2.0547945205479454,"src":"/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/1789c/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/107df/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.jpg 320w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/293e9/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.jpg 500w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/f2cbb/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.jpg 800w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/1789c/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.jpg 960w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/c26c2/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/1dd6e/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/67b76/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.webp 320w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/8df11/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.webp 500w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/98a65/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.webp 800w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/1dd6e/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.webp 960w,\n/static/c0debc28cb25834e564ad8ce3a53c45b/3cc96/Graeser-Family-Education-Center-at-Waterfront-Botanical-Gardens-in-Louisville-Kentucky.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Louisville | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Enjoy more leisure time with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Louisville, KY, including the estimated cost of each project."}}},{"node":{"id":"caee7657-c627-5bbf-a0c1-69fb97a92b3f","slug":"best-native-plants-oklahoma-city","path":"/lawn-care/ok/oklahoma-city/best-native-plants-oklahoma-city/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Janae Soules is a freelance writer with a newly discovered love of gardening with her kids. She enjoys spending time in nature hiking, biking, or playing sports.","name":"Janae Soules","id":"0def06f9-a4f4-58d5-891d-d423dde342f4","path":"/author/janae-souleslawnstarter-com/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/aab1931e793481d75c080c7271be7652?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"d2d6ff96-cc14-5d0f-bbfe-f7eac3bba6d9","name":"Oklahoma","count":7,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/"},{"id":"89161243-3980-5fa1-a6f5-daf0cebe4f02","name":"Oklahoma City","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/oklahoma-city/"}],"date":"April 1st, 2023","excerpt":"After a visit to the Myriad Botanical Gardens, you’re inspired to have a beautiful native landscape. Whether you want to add a new pop of color or do your part for the ecosystem with native plants, we’ve got you covered with the 8 best native plants for Oklahoma City. Patience is often needed when growing […]
\n","content":"\nAfter a visit to the Myriad Botanical Gardens, you’re inspired to have a beautiful native landscape. Whether you want to add a new pop of color or do your part for the ecosystem with native plants, we’ve got you covered with the 8 best native plants for Oklahoma City.
\n\n\n\nPatience is often needed when growing native plants from seeds, as some may take a couple of years before the beauty appears, but it is well worth it.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Poppy-Mallow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow is a drought-tolerant flowering native plant. The magenta cup-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer to give your garden a bright pop of color and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPurple poppy mallow does not thrive in moist soil–– ensure your soil is medium to dry and well-draining to avoid rust. The flower may self-seed if the growing conditions are favorable and can be grown as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering ground cover
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rocky, sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late spring to early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 1 foot
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Can prune in late summer if desired
\n\n\n\n![\"New](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/new-england-aster_800.jpg\")
Photo Credit: hedera.baltica / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
New England aster is another wonderful native flower for your OKC garden if you want to attract bees and butterflies. It boasts a range of colorful flowers, including purple, blue, white, and pink.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves on New England aster are rough and hairy. These flowers flourish well in moist soil with good air circulation.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer, autumn
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. May require staking or other support if it grows tall. Pinch back stems before midsummer to control the plant height and produce more flowers.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you already have a butterfly garden or wish to have one that gets abundant sun, check out butterfly milkweed for your Oklahoma City backyard. Its bright-colored orange and yellow flowers attract not only butterflies but also rabbits. Consider metal fencing around your butterfly milkweed so a monarch butterfly can enjoy it, but the rabbits cannot.
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is low-maintenance, even in the aspect of watering–– once established, butterfly milkweed only needs occasional watering and prefers dry soil.
\n\n\n\nThe downside to butterfly milkweed is that it can have invasive qualities due to large seed pods that disperse small seeds with hairs that spread with the wind. Remove ripened seed pods if you don’t want the plant to spread.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to cats, dogs, livestock, and people when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Crossvine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCrossvine is a vine with green leaves and trumpet-shaped yellow and orange flowers. If you were to look closely at the stems on crossvine, you would notice the crisscross pattern–– hence the name.
\n\n\n\nIf your landscape is part shade, you can still grow crossvine, but it won’t flower as much as in a full sun yard.
\n\n\n\nEnsure you plant the crossvine with abundant space–– these vines can grow an impressive 30 to 50 feet high and 6 to 9 feet wide. Crossvine is often used on fences, trellises, walls, or as a ground cover. Crossvine will move across the ground if there is not a vertical structure for it to climb up.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mocha
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Mid-spring to late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Climbs up to 50 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Prune to keep the desired shape
\n\n\n\n![\"Baptisia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baptisia-australis-Blue-False-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo is a fantastic option if you want to add some bright, beautiful color to your native garden. It is a perennial flower but can have a shrub-like appearance. As beautiful as blue false indigo may be, avoid planting it in your garden if kids or pets frequent the area–– it is mildly toxic to people and pets if ingested.
\n\n\n\nBlue false indigo has blue-purple flowers which attract bumblebees from April to July. Keep blue false indigo planted in full sun to avoid it flopping over. Good air circulation is also needed for blue false indigo to remain happy–– without it, the plant might develop a fungal disease, such as leaf spot or rust.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sad
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to cats, dogs, livestock, and people when ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/American-Black-Elderberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican black elderberry, also known as common elderberry, is a native shrub with white flowers that bloom from May to July with dark purple fruits following the flowers in late summer. It can be grown in a location with either full sun or partial shade and moist soil with good air circulation.
\n\n\n\nAmerican black elderberry fruit is edible and full of antioxidants–– it can be used for jellies or wines, but it needs to be cooked, dried, or fermented before consuming.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Tolerates a wide variety of wet to dry soils but prefers rich, moist, slightly acid soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 5 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Raw elderberries are toxic and should not be consumed
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Regular pruning to remove suckers from the base of plant
\n\n\n\n![\"Evening](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/evening-primrose-1458681_1920_800-646x440.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nEvening primrose is a beautiful plant with four-petaled yellow flowers and a leafy stem. It is often viewed as an invasive weed because of its self-spreading seeds, but it can be a wonderful addition to your native garden with minimal work.
\n\n\n\nEvening primrose needs full sun (even though the flowers open at night), well-draining soil, and snipping of expired blooms to reduce the self-spreading of the seeds. During especially hot OKC summers, you may need to give your evening primrose some additional water.
\n\n\n\nHolistic properties have been associated with evening primrose, which is why it’s also known as the cure-all plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, gravelly, medium moisture, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild lemon
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Snip expired blooms
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower is a common yet beautiful flower with its long-blooming, daisy-like purple flowers and a brown-colored center. It’s low maintenance but needs full sun to achieve the best blooms. A landscape with part shade can still have purple coneflower. However, they could eventually flop over.
\n\n\n\nWhile you admire this showy wildflower, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and finches will also enjoy the purple coneflower.
\n\n\n\nAn overly wet soil does not suit a purple coneflower well–– ensure to only give the plant one inch of water per week during its first growing season and only water during droughts thereafter. Fertilizers shouldn’t be used for purple coneflowers because it can cause the plant to become laggy– instead, opt for compost to provide nutrients.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light, sweet, honey-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nBefore you choose native Oklahoma plants for your OKC landscape, evaluate your space — you wouldn’t want a massive native tree if you have a small space. Consider whether you want drought-resistant plants, how much maintenance you wish to perform, and how much shade your property receives.
\n\n\n\nOKC is in USDA hardiness zone 7, so ensure any other plants (native or non-native) that catch your eye fall into the correct hardiness for OKC.
\n\n\n\nThis article covers several plants that are poisonous when ingested, including blue false indigo, butterfly milkweed, and the raw berries of American black elderberry. If your kids play close by and have curious hands, you may want to avoid growing these native plants.
OKC can see frost through March or April. Most native plants have the best chance of survival if they are planted after the last frost has occurred.
Native plants require less watering, less use of fertilizers, and less use of pesticides. This is great not only for gardeners but for the environment. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies will also be attracted to many native plants.
The best view is sometimes off the beaten path–– take the scenic route during springtime, and you’re bound to see flower-lined roads with native wildflowers. Bricktown, Turner Falls, and Medicine Park all boast colorful wonders of Oklahoma’s native plants. In addition to seeing native plants along the roadways, you might also spot native plants or purchase native plants at the following locations:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want your landscape to include more than just native plants, the best grass types for Oklahoma City can help complete your picturesque backyard oasis. Connect with a local lawn care pro to upkeep your landscape with lawn mowing, edging, and trimming.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Bill Wilson / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"8 Best Native Plants for Oklahoma City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1789c/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg","srcSet":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/107df/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 320w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/293e9/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 500w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/f2cbb/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 800w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1789c/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 960w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/c26c2/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/67b76/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 320w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/8df11/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 500w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/98a65/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 800w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/1dd6e/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 960w,\n/static/04d68339f020731a0ef0fb829d03419b/3cc96/Lawn-in-Oklahoma-City.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Best Native Plants for Oklahoma City | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Oklahoma City native plants must tolerate heat, cold, and everything in between. Check out these 8 native plants that grow well in the area."}}},{"node":{"id":"bc6f4b80-29c4-5bfd-8d5a-484243599b65","slug":"best-native-plants-louisville","path":"/lawn-care/ky/louisville/best-native-plants-louisville/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"bf9d3d3b-daa0-503e-afcb-a4dbbfdca111","name":"Kentucky","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"375b515d-eb5e-5e24-b5e8-f6cd7d6c2e83","name":"Louisville","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ky/louisville/"}],"date":"April 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Louisville, famous for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken, is home to many native plants as well. The city’s hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters, along with the fertile soil of the Ohio River Valley, create a perfect environment for these plants to thrive. This combination makes Derby City a wonderful place […]
\n","content":"\nLouisville, famous for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Fried Chicken, is home to many native plants as well. The city’s hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters, along with the fertile soil of the Ohio River Valley, create a perfect environment for these plants to thrive. This combination makes Derby City a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of the best native plants in Louisville.
\n\n\n\nGrowing native plants in Louisville offers numerous benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nChoosing Kentucky native plants lets you have a biodiverse, balanced ecosystem right in your backyard. If you’re interested in embracing native plants, here are 9 options for your Louisville garden.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"Trumpet](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trumpet-Honeysuckle.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrumpet Honeysuckle is a versatile, native, semi-evergreen to deciduous vine featuring showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from March to June. This native plant is a favorite among hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. Trumpet Honeysuckle is a low-maintenance option that tolerates various soil types and is resistant to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers moist soil. Clay, sandy, loam, slightly acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10 to 15 feet long
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Trim after blooming to maintain its shape and manage growth. Remove any new growth and damaged buds to keep it healthy, and wash off aphids that appear in spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCardinal Flower, a captivating perennial, showcases tall spikes adorned with beautiful red flowers from midsummer to early fall. With its unique long tubular flowers, most insects struggle to access its nectar, making hummingbirds the primary pollinator for this stunning plant. Its common name is inspired by the vivid red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to wet, humus-rich soil. Sandy, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Keep the soil moist or wet at all times for the plant to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern Redbud is a small deciduous tree with a short trunk, heart-shaped leaves, and showy pink flowers that bloom in early spring. This native tree attracts pollinators, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, and provides nesting sites for birds. Eastern Redbud is adaptable to various soil types and is relatively low-maintenance.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contains a toxic saponin, but is not typically considered toxic as ingestion generally does not cause harmful effects.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: A weekly deep watering is beneficial during prolonged periods of heat and drought. It’s also advisable to fertilize the tree in early spring.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple Coneflower is a perennial wildflower native to the Louisville area. It’s known for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms, and hardy, low-maintenance nature. This popular plant has large, purple-pink petals, which would give a touch of color to your garden. In addition to its striking appearance, this native plant also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Northern-Spicebush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: R. A. Nonenmacher / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthern Spicebush is a deciduous shrub with fragrant greenish-yellow flowers in early spring and bright golden yellow foliage in the fall. It is adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies use this plant as a larval host, providing a crucial habitat for their caterpillars to thrive. A tea can also be made from its leaves and twigs, and its fruit, once dried and powdered, can be used as a spice.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained soils. Sandy, loamy, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Keep the soil moist and fertilize it twice a year
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed is a perennial with clusters of rose-purple flowers that bloom from June to October. This native plant is an essential host for queen and monarch butterfly larvae and attracts other pollinators, such as hummingbirds. It is well-suited for rain gardens or areas with moist soil.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 6
Duration: Perennial
Sunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil preferences: Thrives in mucky clay soils. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Water needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous when ingested raw and can be lethal to animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: This native plant performs well in poor soils. It does not need fertilization.
\n\n\n\n![\"Spotted](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spotted-Geranium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpotted geranium is a woodland perennial with showy, lavender-pink, five-petaled flowers that bloom from March to July. It is a low-maintenance option for a woodland garden, as it tolerates various soil types and moisture levels.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant attracts pollinators, such as hummingbirds, and its seeds appeal to Mourning Doves, Bobwhite Quail, and White-tailed Deer. It can also be used medicinally for diarrhea, inflamed gums, sore throat, thrush, and mouth ulcers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 11
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, silt, high organic matter, or sandy soil that’s well-drained, moist, or somewhat wet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nWild hydrangea is a deciduous shrub with large, flat-topped clusters of greenish-white flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer. This native plant attracts pollinators and provides a habitat for hummingbirds. Wild hydrangea is a low-maintenance option that tolerates various soil types, making it a versatile choice for Louisville landscapes.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Rich, well-drained, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Needs supplemental watering in hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\n![\"Sensitive](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sensitive-Fern.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Under the same moon… / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSensitive fern is a hardy, deciduous fern known for its delicate, bright green fronds. It is often found in moist, shady areas near streams or woodlands. It thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil. Its name is derived from its sensitivity to first frost, as the plant’s fronds tend to wither with the first signs of cold weather.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Fern
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Various loose, acidic, moist to wet soils. Sandy, loamy, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be toxic to humans in ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Needs consistent moisture to thrive
\n\n\n\nWhen selecting native plants for your Louisville garden, it’s essential to consider the specific needs and conditions of your outdoor space. Follow these steps to assess your garden and choose the right plants:
\n\n\n\nFurthermore, it’s best to note that Louisville falls on the border of USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and 7. This zone classification can guide you in selecting plants that can tolerate our local climate. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance garden filled with Kentucky native plants that enhance the beauty of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer numerous benefits, including supporting local ecosystems, being adapted to the local climate, and generally requiring less maintenance. They require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can contribute to the preservation of Derby City’s botanical heritage.
While native plants offer many advantages, they are not inherently better than non-native plants in every situation. The key is to choose plants that are non-invasive and suited to your specific garden conditions and goals. In some cases, mixing native and non-native plants can provide the ideal landscape that fits your preferences.
Native plants typically require less maintenance than non-native species, as they are already adapted to local soil and weather conditions. To care for native plants, provide them with a suitable growing environment, such as the appropriate sunlight exposure and soil type. Water them as needed, especially during their first year of growth, and use organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Are you ready to transform your Louisville garden into an oasis of native plants? From vibrant wildflowers and lush ferns to hardy grasses and low-maintenance groundcovers, the local flora offers something for every garden design and aesthetic. To get started, explore these local native plant suppliers listed on the Kentucky Native Plant Society’s website:
\n\n\n\nNative plants are perfect for homeowners that are looking for low-maintenance landscaping ideas for their outdoor space. You should also consider the best grass types in Louisville that would perfectly complement your new native plants.
To keep your native plants looking their best, connect with local lawn care pros for outdoor maintenance services, such as mowing, trimming, and edging. With the help of these pros, your outdoor space can stay green and lush, ensuring that your native plants thrive year-round.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Winchester House, Louisville / w.marsh on Flickr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
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