![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
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\nPhoto 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
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\n","content":"\nRemoving weeds by hand is time consuming, and many weed killers are dangerous to pets who come into contact with them. Here are 10 pet-safe weed killers that will squash those pesky weeds while keeping your furry friends healthy and happy.
\n\n\n\nContents:
\n\n\n\nMost of the products we’ve picked are certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), a nonprofit group that reviews and certifies organic products.
\n\n\n\nHere are our top five picks for pet-friendly herbicides you can buy online or in most home improvement stores.
\n\n\n\nGet Sunday’s Weed Warrior is certified organic by the USDA and made with OMRI-listed ammonium soap and fatty acids. It’s a non-selective weed and grass killer, meaning it will kill all weeds.
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nOMRI certified as an organic weed killer, Green Gobbler is designed to kill both weeds and the grass growing between sidewalk cracks and pavers. It works on all types of weeds, including dandelions and crabgrass.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nDoctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer is a biodegradable weed control that’s made from ocean salt water, vinegar, and soap. The University of Florida found Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed and Grass Killer to be effective in eliminating more than 250 common weeds.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nMade with salt water and concentrated commercial grade white vinegar, Natural Elements is glyphosate-free. It’s effective against common weeds like clover, dandelions, chickweed, crabgrass, thistle, and broadleaf weeds.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPreen Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent weed control, meaning it stops weeds before they sprout, so you have to think ahead and apply it before you see the first weed. It’s safe to use around pets, established flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables. It is made from corn gluten meal and does not contain glyphosate.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nA good rule of thumb is to keep your pets off the lawn for 24 hours after applying both pre-emergents and weed killers. Many of these products dissipate with water, so to be certain it’s safe, water your lawn the next day before letting your kids, cats, and dogs play on it.
\n\n\n\nPet parents can make several homemade pet-safe weed killers and avoid exposing their dogs and cats to harsh chemicals.
\n\n\n\nMake a weak solution with three parts water and one part salt. Dissolve rock or table salt in water and pour it into a sprayer. A shot of dish soap will increase its effectiveness.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nPour boiling water over the weeds. Cover the area with cardboard or a tarp for four to six weeks to prevent seeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nLayer a cup of sugar around the base of the weeds, making sure to cover the area surrounding the roots. You may need to reapply another cup in a few days if the weeds are persistent.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nMix 1-cup of borax powder and 2 gallons of warm water in a sealable container. Stir until dissolved and let it rest for at least an hour before pouring it into a spray bottle. Apply it directly to the weeds.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nBoil 2 cups of water and add 10 drops of clove essential oil. Mix well, let cool, and pour into a spray bottle to treat weeds. Sunlight decreases the efficacy of clove oil, so it’s best to spray weeds after sundown.
\n\n\n\nPros:
\n\n\n\nCons:
\n\n\n\nUsing the wrong products while trying to kill weeds could cause serious harm to your four-legged friends. A common active ingredient in chemical weed killers, like Roundup, is glyphosate which is a toxin often overlooked by pet owners.
\n\n\n\nA Purdue University study concludes that common lawn and garden chemicals may increase the risk for cancer in dogs. Those chemicals include dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 4 -chloro-2.
\n\n\n\n1. How long does it take for my pet to show signs of poisoning?
\n\n\n\nTwo to 36 hours, depending on how much your pet ingested.
\n\n\n\n2. How long does it take for weed killer to dry?
\n\n\n\nSome products dry within 3 hours, however, it’s best to wait for at least 24 hours before allowing pets or people into the treated area. Humidity can affect drying time.
\n\n\n\n3. What do I do if my pet comes in contact with poisonous weed killers?
\n\n\n\nVeterinarians recommend you separate your pet from the poison, make a note of the weed killer they ingested, and contact your vet.
\n\n\n\n4. My vet is closed. What should I do?
\n\n\n\nCall ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for expert advice or contact your local 24-hour emergency vet.
\n\n\n\n
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: Rawpixel
\n","title":"10 Pet-Safe Weed Killers","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/107df/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 320w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/293e9/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 500w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/f2cbb/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1789c/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 960w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/c26c2/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/67b76/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 320w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/8df11/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 500w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/98a65/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 800w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/1dd6e/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 960w,\n/static/b1ee74c3e342e5f9c98c06a0595ef1a2/3cc96/rsz_image-from-rawpixel-id-6022016-jpeg.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Pet-Safe Weed Killers | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Keeping your lawn beautiful and weed-free while protecting your pet’s health can be a challenge. We’ll look at 10 pet-safe weed killers."}}},{"node":{"id":"89583ed8-e7d1-5dc4-a061-3e0402e994bc","slug":"best-native-plants-grand-rapids","path":"/lawn-care/michigan/grand-rapids-mi/best-native-plants-grand-rapids/","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":"438713f2-daf7-5a75-a66f-7741f7e2b4cb","name":"Grand Rapids","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/grand-rapids-mi/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"75fb394d-179e-5e85-92bb-a24a339af8a6","name":"Michigan","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/michigan/"}],"date":"April 9th, 2023","excerpt":"From the Frederik Meijer Gardens to the Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids is home to many beautiful landscapes. It’s easy to appreciate the variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and fragrances of the plants. The good news is that you can create the same environment in your yard with the best native plants for Grand Rapids. […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the Frederik Meijer Gardens to the Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids is home to many beautiful landscapes. It’s easy to appreciate the variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and fragrances of the plants. The good news is that you can create the same environment in your yard with the best native plants for Grand Rapids.
\n\n\n\nOnce you open your yard to native plants, you and the ecosystem will experience a range of benefits:
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer a variety of choices. From native wildflowers to native shrubs to perennials with pretty white flowers, it won’t be hard to find native species that will thrive in your West Michigan home landscape.
\n\n\n\nThis article will cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Osier-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed-osier dogwood is also called red twig dogwood. No doubt named because it is red and looks like a small tree limb or twig. It blooms in spring and summer and adds a splash of color to the cold Grand Rapids winters. It’s a favorite because it develops its beautiful bright color, which is usually red, in the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIt will be at home most anywhere, as it adapts to a wide range of soil types. If you’re looking to make a quick impression, you’ll appreciate how quickly this shrub grows. Red-osier dogwood is also functional; its roots help reduce erosion.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub offers a beautiful cluster of creamy white flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. Pollinators and butterflies stop by to admire the small petals, while birds feast on the berries.
\n\n\n\nIt requires full sun to partial shade, so a home with a few trees that allows in a moderate level of light will provide a warm welcome for the red-osier dogwood.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand, moist, adaptable to a wide range of soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring and summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 9 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. Use a spade to root prune if you want to stop it from vigorously spreading. Prune in early spring to encourage new stem growth.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Lydia Fravel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis beautiful cluster of tiny, hot pink petals sits atop stems with long, erect leaves emerging on opposite sides. Swamp milkweed is commonly found in the wetlands and blooms between June and October. It’s poisonous in large quantities, so be sure to keep small children from giving it a taste test.
\n\n\n\nHummingbirds and butterflies are some of this flower’s biggest fans. Monarch butterflies depend on this perennial for survival. Swamp milkweed makes a great addition to rain gardens and butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nEven though swamp milkweed is usually found outlining ponds and streams, it adapts to drier conditions like loam and clay. The best home for this sappy weed is one that gets a lot of sunlight. The flower tolerates partial shade but thrives best when it can salute the sun.
\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: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Nannyberry\"](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nannyberry-flowers-wendell-smith-cc20.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wendell Smith / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
This plant’s berries are enjoyed by wildlife, birds, and humans, too. That is, if you can reach the berries. Nannyberry is a very large, tall shrub or a small tree. This plant is a Grand Rapids favorite because its dark berries are usually still around in the winter, and the berries attract wildlife and birds, too. Nannyberry’s creamy white flowers sprout in the spring.
\n\n\n\nNannyberry prefers full sun but will adjust to partial shade. If you have a shady yard, be on the lookout for mildew on your nannyberry. Other than that, it’s insect and disease tolerant. If you’re looking for a good, natural privacy screen, plant nannyberries as hedges. Nannyberry also works well as shrub borders and foundation plantings.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 2 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand, moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Prune immediately after flowering.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/35788220756_6c924b709e_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly weed’s yellow and orange petals are a wonderful site for sore eyes and for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Grand Rapids homeowners can give back to the ecosystem by planting this bright plant, as monarch butterflies depend on it for their existence.
\n\n\n\nIf you have poor soil, you’ll be happy to know butterfly weed isn’t picky. Although it prefers well-drained soils, it grows in dry, poor soils, too. This plant is drought-tolerant and easy to care for, but it may attract aphids. To get rid of aphids, hit the plants with a strong spray of water.
\n\n\n\nLike swamp milkweed, butterfly milkweed comes with some concerns. All parts of this perennial herb are considered poisonous. It can result in skin or eye irritation when touched. Be sure to handle this attractive plant with gloves, and plant it somewhere not easily accessible to pets and small children.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained dry to mid-range soil moist. Loam, sand, or clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla fragrance
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and pets
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed-Susan-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is appropriately named for its dark center and sunny disposition. With its long, yellow petals, it resembles a daisy. Young plants may attract snails and slugs, but other than that, black-eyed Susan has no major disease or pest problems. She was made for the Grand Rapids winters – young plants can withstand a little frost.
\n\n\n\nThis daisy look-alike is easy to grow and works well in borders or as an accent plant. Butterflies, pollinators, and birds flock to this ray of sunshine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun. Can tolerate some partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry, moist, well-drained soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Annual, Perennial, or Biennial depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early summer to early fall (Jun – Sept)
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Black-eyed Susan requires about one inch of water weekly when first planted and is drought-resistant once established.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Virgins-Bower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Melissa McMasters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirgin’s bower, also called the devil’s darning needles, is toxic to humans and pets. The strong bitter taste and mouth pain this vine causes humans when ingested is usually a quick and memorable warning that it’s not edible.
\n\n\n\nVirgin’s bower withstands occasional flooding and thrives best in soils that are rich and moist but well-drained. If you have a very shady yard and have been looking for a flowering vine that likes to climb high, look no further. Virgin Bower loves to wind around fences and up walls and trellises. If you’re looking for it to seed, be sure to get the female version. The male plant does not seed.
\n\n\n\nJust know that Virgin Bower likes to wrap around other plants and can invade the space of other vegetation, like shrubs. Pruning it in the spring can help manage its aggressive spread.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organic-rich, well-drained loamy or silty soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 12 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\n![\"Little](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Little-Bluestem.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Montrealais / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nLittle bluestem is not afraid to stick around through the harsh Grand Rapids winters. This ornamental grass provides cover for wildlife year-round. It has a blue-green color in the summer and a copper color that stands its ground through the winter. The leaves are yellow-orange in the fall.
\n\n\n\nIt’s drought-resistant once established and works well in a xeriscape garden or rain garden. This year-round colorful grass is low-maintenance and shares its seeds with small mammals and songbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Ornamental grass
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry to moist, well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August – February
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Boneset.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommon boneset has been used to treat a variety of maladies, including constipation, fevers, and colds. Little white flowers appear in late summer and fall. Common boneset gives nectar to pollinators and butterflies and also attracts aphids, Lygus bugs, and leaf beetles.
\n\n\n\nThis flower is serious about its water consumption and grows best when the soil does not dry out. If you have a pond on your property, common boneset is a great addition. It works well next to ponds and in rain gardens.
\n\n\n\nAlthough common boneset has been used medicinally, it is considered toxic and should not be consumed.
\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: Organic-rich moist to wet sandy or clay soils; though it can also tolerate dry soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer to early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if eaten.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\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\nGrand Rapids homeowners can’t help but love New England aster. Starting from late summer to late fall, it blooms for at least six weeks. It grows up to six feet tall and is still around even when Grand Rapids temperatures get cooler.
\n\n\n\nThese strikingly beautiful bright pink flowers resemble daisies, but with slightly thinner petals. If your property is sometimes visited by deer or rabbits, New England aster is a great addition, as deer and rabbits prefer tastier treats. Butterflies and birds are quite pleased about this; there’s more New England aster for them to consume.
\n\n\n\nThis plant needs space for good airflow or it may develop diseases. It works well in cottage gardens and borders, just as long as it’s not crowded.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loamy
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer – early fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium. If it grows tall, it may require staking or other support. Pinching back stems before midsummer controls plant height and promotes flower growth.
\n\n\n\nChoose plants that are in your area’s hardiness zones. Grand Rapids temperatures can drop into the teens or lower. Plants in the Grand Rapids zone, which are zones 5 and 6, can withstand the lowest temperatures the area may experience.
\n\n\n\nMake sure you have the yard space and capacity to grow the vegetation. Although you may have seen a few white oaks (quercus alba), the tree is huge and may not be right for a typical front yard or backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to knowing how much space you have, be familiar with your soil type, if your soil tends to retain water or dry out, and how sunny or shady your yard is. Select native plants that will thrive best in your yard’s composition.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are low-maintenance, but they still require some work. Gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic. However, if you feel forced to tend to your plants, it may cause undue stress. So, it’s also important to choose plants that fit your maintenance availability.
\n\n\n\nGrand Rapids experiences freezing winters and can have hot summers. It’s best to plant in the spring or fall. The weather is cooler and there’s more rain. This allows for roots to establish before the summer heat or before winter freezing temperatures cause dormancy.
The USDA separates the United States into different zones, with each zone representing a 10 degrees Fahrenheit difference in yearly average lowest winter temperatures.
Grand Rapids is in zones 5 and 6. Zones 5 through 6 include zones 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b. They have temperatures that range from -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit for zone 5a, to -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit for zone 6b.
Most plants native to Grand Rapids thrive best in soil with a range of 5.5 to 7.0 pH. Some plants may tolerate soil more acidic or alkaline, and the type of plant determines where it fits in the pH soil range. It’s best to research the plant to know what type of soil is best. Without appropriate soil conditions, plants can suffer and even die.
You’ve probably admired plenty of native plants while visiting the John Ball Zoo or Millenium Park. Lovely examples of Michigan native plants are likely displayed throughout your neighborhood. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has information on local native plant sales by the Kent Conservation District and other organizations.
\n\n\n\nAnother place to look if you want to bring a piece of Grand Rapids home with you is a native plant nursery. Try these local options:
\n\n\n\nYou’ve already done the work of helping sustain the ecosystem by giving natural resources to butterflies, other pollinators, and local wildlife with your native landscape. Now, make sure both you and the local wildlife have a healthy turfgrass canvas, too. Let a local lawn care pro handle your lawn care needs.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Farmartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for Grand Rapids, MI","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1789c/Common-Boneset-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/107df/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/293e9/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/f2cbb/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1789c/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/c26c2/Common-Boneset-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1dd6e/Common-Boneset-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/67b76/Common-Boneset-1.webp 320w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/8df11/Common-Boneset-1.webp 500w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/98a65/Common-Boneset-1.webp 800w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/1dd6e/Common-Boneset-1.webp 960w,\n/static/a0c01b02cc86b9f7659e4a3b5471142d/3cc96/Common-Boneset-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for Grand Rapids, MI | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Read to find out the best native plants for Grand Rapids, including the benefits of native plants, native plant nurseries, and FAQ."}}},{"node":{"id":"6f008ac6-7680-52cd-887a-d701074f16be","slug":"best-native-plants-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/best-native-plants-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Birmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty and utility.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia-W.-Bartram-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s beloved oakleaf hydrangea has been the state’s wildflower since 1999. Its white flowers bloom in the spring, then turn rose in the summer. Come fall, the native shrub’s green oak-shaped leaves turn a beautiful deep burgundy, and its flowers remain until mid-winter.
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea grows quickly, attracting deer and pollinators. It resists most pests but may get an occasional spider or aphid. Overall, the shrub is attractive and easy to care for.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey-vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Springa
\n\n\n\nWater needs: At least 1 inch a week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They resist pests, but sometimes get spiders or aphids and they are susceptible to leaf bright or powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if the plant gets damaged or becomes overgrown. You may remove dead flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe southern sugar maple makes an attractive street-side, specimen, or woodland tree. Its green leaves create a symmetrical oval that turns deep shades of yellow, orange, and red, making a spectacular fall display. Then, in early spring, the ends of its branches bloom clusters of small yellow-green flowers.
\n\n\n\nIt has a strong bark that resists breakage, but sometimes it develops shallow roots. Thus, it’s best to avoid mowing the grass beneath them. Although it is too small to produce maple syrup commercially, southern sugar maple syrup isn’t any less delicious than its commercial competitors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand (prefers rich loamy soil)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and sometimes spicey, almond or cherry scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, High drought-tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They can attract aphids, borders, and scale insects and are susceptible to diseases including leaf spot, tar spot, and verticillium wilt.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if necessary and only water in times of drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"butterfly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wavyleaf-Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-simulata-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PickPik
\n\n\n\nWavyleaf purple coneflowers have showy pink and purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Known for their beauty, the flowers feature long drooping petals with a dark center. Many gardeners use its freshly cut flowers in bouquets or dry the flowers to make tea.
\n\n\n\nThis native herb is a top pick for wildlife lovers. Its sweet nectar attracts butterflies, bumble bees, and other pollinators, while its fruit seeds attract various birds. Although wavyleaf purple coneflowers aren’t prone to insect damage or disease, they may attract the Japanese beetle and they occasionally get infected by leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, calcareous, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Occasionally gets leaf spot and may attract the Japanese beetle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Separate clumps when overcrowding occurs. Removing dead flowers isn’t required, but improves the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Largeflower-Tickseed-Coreopsis-grandiflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nDue to its beautiful bright yellow flowers, largeflower tickseed is common in Birmingham’s butterfly, rock, and wildflower gardens. In wildflower gardens, they are a delightful companion to wavyleaf purple coneflowers or black-eyed Susans.
\n\n\n\nBecause butterflies, bumble bees, and hummingbirds love its nectar, largeflower tickseed is great for Biringham’s ecosystem. It is also the perfect plant for homeowners with small children or pets because it’s entirely non-toxic. Additionally, it’s low-maintenance, requiring minimal care.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some people are allergic to tickseed. They are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. They may attract aphids, aster leafhoppers, or coreopsis beetles.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, fertilize and deadhead to encourage robust blooms.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowering dogwood is one of North America’s most attractive native trees. In early spring, it blooms small yellow-green flowers surrounded by magnificent pink and white petal-like leaves. When the weather cools, its breathtaking fall foliage includes bright red, scarlet, and purple leaves above its uniquely patterned trunk.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood isn’t just coveted for its looks. You can use its hardwood to make household tools such as rakes and butcher blocks and its roots to make red dye. It’s also great for local wildlife, attracting birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet floral
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 – 30 feet, but can be up to 65 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with its berries give some people rashes. It is susceptible to fungal diseases including powdery mildew and spot anthracnose.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Prune in early spring and fertilize during spring and fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pussytoes](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pussytoes-Antennaria-Gaertn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nConsider pussytoes if you’re looking for natural ground cover for a rock garden or pathway. The herb sprouts pollinator-friendly white and pink flowers in early spring. However, pussytoes don’t attract many pests and are left alone by most herbivores, including rabbits and deer. Although pussytoes resist most diseases, they may get root rot if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: If the soil is too moist, it can get root rot. You may get an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, removing dead flower heads will improve the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe American chestnut tree is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree with edible nuts. Although this native-American tree was once common, its population has dwindled since the introduction of the Chinese chestnut tree. When the Chinese chestnut tree came to North America, it brought a fungal disease called chestnut blight, killing billions of American chestnuts.
\n\n\n\nAlthough mature American chestnuts are almost extinct, several new seedlings flourish in Jefferson and Shelby. For centuries, indigenous people used its hardwood for building, its nuts for eating, and its leaves and bark for medicine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun for nut production, but they grow fastest with 30% shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained and acidic sandy or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Organic
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant, but they benefit from weekly to bi-weekly watering in times of drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 100 to 120 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Although they are non-toxic, its berries contain berberine which is known to cause stomach aches. It is susceptible to chestnut blight.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Remove damaged branches and portions that become infected by disease. Winter and summer are the best times to prune.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Honeysuckle-Lonicera-flava-Sims-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nYellow honeysuckle is a native vine with showy sweet-smelling flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its orange and red berries are harmful to humans but a welcome treat to many birds, including songbirds and robins. Additionally, it attracts many small mammals.
\n\n\n\nThis sometimes shrub-like climbing vine is often displayed on trellises, fences, and in bird gardens. In addition, yellow honeysuckle makes an attractive ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are mildly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bark mulch helps to keep the soil moist and weed-free, and applying compost and organic fertilizer in the spring keeps it healthy. Prune yellow honeysuckle each year, around summer, to inspire growth.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing Alabamian native plants, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\n Native plants naturally grow and evolve in Birmingham, and there is typically evidence that they were here before European colonization. They are a fantastic low-maintenance landscaping Idea for Birmingham that also helps support the local ecosystem.
Pollinators like nectar producing native plants, including:
• Hydrangeas
• Coneflowers
• Tickseed
• Flowering Dogwood
• Pussytoes
• Honeysuckle
• Buttercups
• Sunflowers
Not all foreign plants are invasive. Invasive plants have the following qualities:
• Well adapted to the climate
• Quickly spreads
• Harmful to native plants and wildlife
Birmingham’s most poisonous native plants include:
• Eastern poison ivy
• Poison oak
• Hemlock
The best grass types for Birmingham are warm-season grasses including:
• Bermudagrass
• Zoysiagrass
• Bahiagrass
• Centipedegrass
You can purchase Alabama native plants at the following shops:
\n\n\n\nAnd you can view native plants at the following nature preserves and gardens:
\n\n\n\nIn addition, Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a native seed exchange program for its members.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help planning a native plant garden, consider hiring a landscaper. Experienced lawn care pros in Birmingham can help you maintain a lush lawn and flourishing garden beds. Instead of burdening yourself with lawn work, take that time to visit the McWane Science Center or take a stroll through Railroad Park.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pixabay
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\n","content":"\nIf you have ever tried tackling your own landscape design you might have been overwhelmed by all the choices that need to be made. From plant selection to boulder placement; scheduling deliveries of bulk materials and of course the many hours required to actually install all of your beautiful new additions. With all the moving pieces that come with home DIY projects, it can be easy to forget some pieces to the puzzle that will ultimately give you the most complete package.
\n\n\n\n\tOne simple solution to this problem is to enlist the services of a landscape design professional, either a licensed landscape architect or a landscape designer depending on the type of design work you are looking to include at your property. You might be thinking that a simple backyard makeover is too small for a project to need professional design advice. However, the long term benefits that come with the wide skill set of a professional designer far outweigh the seasons of replanting gardens and pulling up patios that just did not quite work.
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you have made the smart choice to hire a professional to come alongside and guide you in the planning and design process. Maybe you have had some experience working with architects or interior designers and know what to expect or maybe this is your first time working with anyone in the design professions. The following article will give you a good idea of what to expect so you can best prepare for your first design meeting!
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zHTXvYE5usmuYEYuXgAJ8rjbV9XvasPRmudLDs6uSVJO4WAxsoD-P86hwh7nJmKsqYCysMJpNZNQkQNxqmNbnGXZ-cO5yV38VObA0uGe59x0DhZpQY5VMTWneG2Fod5_P5gARDFKy4MO6J74ew\")
Landscape architects, and to some extent landscape designers, have years of formal training in subjects ranging from design theory, horticulture, art history, and psychology to name a few. Because of this extensive training, working with a landscape design professional will help kick-start your idea generation. The ability to be abundant with ideas and to spin one idea into a new and improved theory using past experience and industry expertise is a unique talent of design professionals.
\n\n\n\nEvery parcel or lot of land is unique in many ways, not just different shapes, sizes, and geographical locations, but also being part of a larger ecosystem, having challenging topographic qualities or just numerous utility and municipal setbacks that all require consideration. A professional landscape architect will have the skill to understand the macrocosm and microcosms that will dictate the broad-brush strokes of design. They will also have the refined talent to read the site-specific details, which define the unique elements of a single area of focus.
\n\n\n\nOnce there is a clear analysis of the project site, it is possible to come up with conceptual design ideas to contemplate. Every site has multiple solutions, but when the background research has been done thoroughly, a professional landscape designer will be able to narrow down the options to a concept that answers the needs, wants and wishes of the landowner while addressing the ecosystem characteristics presented in the existing landscape.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs a landscape architect, I know that when I first meet with a client more than likely they have been giving a great deal of consideration to how they want their property to be designed. Time and experience have taught me, however, that just because a home or property owner has an idea about what they want the final design outcomes to be, doesn’t mean that idea is actually buildable or sustainable. We can dream up some pretty wild stuff after all! By working with a seasoned professional, you can be assured that what you develop together will have the ability to not only be built but also to be sustained creating a longterm successful space.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding what things cost is very important. We are all quite familiar with how much any development project cost. The design processes require unhampered imagination and creativity in the beginning, but once the direction and aesthetic are defined it is necessary to bring the project into the reality of money. A professional landscape designer will be able to reasonably provide a project budget range or ballpark budget through experience or be able to guide you through the pricing/bidding process so that you can determine whether to build the project all at once or to phase it in over a few years.
\n\n\n\nIt is greatly important to draw the momentum you and your designer created from the design process into the construction phase. Some designers work with in house contracting operations – known as Design/Build while other designers work solo and have developed strong relationships with professional landscape contractors that they are confident in working with or recommending. These relationships are very useful to anyone planning to hire installers for the construction phase.
\n\n\n\nOne of the real benefits of working with a professional landscape designer in the design development process is in having this person stick with you through the construction phase. Every project will have the potential to be improved upon as it is being built. Additionally, almost every project will have some “unknown” pop up during construction and it will be important to have someone with your best interest in mind on-site to make informed decisions. Having your designer close at hand, or as your project manager, will ensure that you capitalize on opportunity and minimize any unforeseen pitfalls.
\n\n\n\nTop Photo: carexdesigngroup.com
\n","title":"What to Expect When Working with a Landscape Architect/Design Professional","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1789c/landscape-architect.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/107df/landscape-architect.jpg 320w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/293e9/landscape-architect.jpg 500w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/f2cbb/landscape-architect.jpg 800w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1789c/landscape-architect.jpg 960w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/a2a79/landscape-architect.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1dd6e/landscape-architect.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/67b76/landscape-architect.webp 320w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/8df11/landscape-architect.webp 500w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/98a65/landscape-architect.webp 800w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/1dd6e/landscape-architect.webp 960w,\n/static/ad659476662edc36fc81eede83036b3e/7aa54/landscape-architect.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"What to Expect When Working with a Landscape Architect/Design Professional | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"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":"cb2e7083-c113-50ed-aa52-d99669577ce2","slug":"best-native-plants-virginia-beach-2","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/best-native-plants-virginia-beach-2/","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":"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/"},{"id":"9107cea5-e99b-514c-a5cb-295305a7d651","name":"Virginia Beach","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/virginia-beach/"}],"date":"August 9th, 2019","excerpt":"Native plants are low-maintenance and beautiful, adding color to your garden without guzzling a lot of water. Here are five of the favorite native plants for Virginia Beach.
\n","content":"\nIf you take long walks or bike rides in First Landing State Park, you can’t help but admire over 550 miles of luscious greenery. It might give you the urge to spruce up your backyard with new native trees, shrubs, or flowers. However, it may surprise some that not every plant native to Virginia is native to this coastal city. This article will help you explore the best native plants for Virginia Beach, along with their attributes, such as water and sun exposure needs.
\n\n\n\nNative plants provide significant benefits, such as boosting the local ecosystem, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators–– even helping some endangered butterfly species fight for survival.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n\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\nUnlike many other milkweeds, this bushy perennial has no milky sap. Butterfly milkweed has clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers that bloom throughout the summer. These flat, umbel flowers produce seed pods in the fall. Butterfly milkweed grows naturally in canyons, hillsides, prairies, and open woods. In addition to working great as cut flowers, this native plant is a suitable choice for cottage or butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nA great nectar source for birds and insects, butterfly milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch and zebra swallowtail butterflies. So when working on your new landscape, consider this plant to help reverse their fortune.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\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 – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/image-76.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: rockerBOO / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower is a popular, upright perennial that can add a vertical interest to the landscape. This native plant’s boasting flower spikes are densely packed with cardinal red, two-lipped blossoms that bloom from midsummer to early fall. Cardinal flower may self-seed in ideal growing conditions, and fortunately, is not an invasive plant.
\n\n\n\nIt can easily thrive in cottage, wild, and butterfly gardens. This beautiful native flower is a magnet for beneficial insects and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nNote: Ingesting this plant may cause discomfort.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1-6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Ingesting this plant may cause discomfort.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Inkberry-Holly.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Elsa Spezio / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nInkberry holly is a dioecious, slow-growing broadleaf shrub that is easy to grow. The name ‘inkberry’ comes from the dark fruits this native plant produces. Female plants need a male pollinator to produce these fruits. Inkberry holly has smooth leaves, distinguishing it from other common hollies found in nature. This versatile plant can thrive around landscape ponds or water features, and can be used to form shrub borders.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that the leaves and berries can be toxic to humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater: High
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, small tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 15 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Ingestion may cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other illnesses in humans
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fall-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kor!An (Корзун Андрей) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWith many visually stunning colors, the fall phlox is a popular choice among homeowners. It may be planted in groups, perennial borders, or single specimens. Fall phlox has a stout, smooth stem that holds narrow leaves. The sweetly fragrant flowers can bloom throughout the summer until early fall. Just to add further beauty to your garden, the blossoms sway attractively in the breeze. Garden phlox, a common name for this perennial, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThis native plant needs good air circulation to grow and thrive. During the hot summer months, consider adding mulch to keep the root area cool.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nFragrant: Pleasant sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – October
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"eastern](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/eastern-redbud-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: BETTY / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the ‘Ace of Hearts’, the eastern redbud is a deciduous tree with a dome-shaped canopy. It is aesthetically pleasing, and can add elegance to gardens or other outdoor spaces. It has a foliage of heart-shaped, dark green leaves that turn shades of yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nDark red flowers cover the unique and irregular branches in the spring. These cheerful blossoms are on display for 2 to 3 weeks. Attracting birds and butterflies, eastern redbud can be used for shrub borders or as a specimen plant.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – May
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20 – 30 feet tall with a 25 – 35 foot spread
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contains the toxin saponin but isn’t considered toxic because it usually doesn’t cause harm when ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"Sweetbay](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sweetbay-magnolia-800px-famartin-ccsa40.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe sweetbay magnolia is a slow-growing plant that can be grown as a slender tree or as a multi-stemmed shrub. It has solitary, lemon-scented, white flowers that appear in late spring and bloom sporadically throughout summer. As part of its handsome foliage, this native plant produces cone-like fruits with bright red seeds. Sweetbay magnolia is known to attract birds, making it another beneficial plant for the local ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-10
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Lemon-scented
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10 to 35 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coral-honeysuckle-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jo Naylor / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nTrumpet honeysuckle is a medium-sized, semi-evergreen climber with tubular flowers that open to reveal yellow throats, mainly produced from early spring to early summer. These flowers will give way to bright red berries in late summer to early fall. Trumpet honeysuckle will happily cover fences, walls, and even pergolas for a pretty display. One of the showiest of the vining honeysuckle, this species attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nFun fact: The leaves make a decoction for sore throats and coughs.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Climber
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, average
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8 to 15 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Smooth-Alder.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nSmooth alder, with its densely branched canopy and multi-stemmed trunks, can be planted as either a deciduous shrub or small tree. It has a foliage of glossy green leaves that turn yellow-brown in the fall. However, its most distinctive feature can be seen in early to mid spring. During this period, the long, pale yellow male catkins dangle like Christmas decorations near the bore branch tips. In turn, the catkins release pollen that attaches several insects.
\n\n\n\nAlders support 255 species of caterpillars, and can provide food and shelter for wintering, breeding, and migrant birds. All of these positives make the smooth alder a terrific addition to your Virginia Beach landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average, high
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Virginian-Witch-Hazel.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nSimilar to the smooth alder, the Virginian witch hazel can thrive as a deciduous shrub or small tree. It has sweetly-scented, pale yellow flowers that bloom in fall and early winter. Each flower consists of 4 golden ribbon-like petals. The smooth, broadly oval leaves will turn yellow in the fall, providing you with a colorful fall foliage. Overall, the Virginian witch hazel is a great addition to your native plant landscape.
\n\n\n\nFun fact: this is the species from which medicinal witch-hazel extract is made.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness Zone: 3-8
\n\n\n\nSun exposure: Full sun, partial shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nBloom time: September – December
\n\n\n\nMature size: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/beautyberry-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tony Alter / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWith its showy flowers and fruits, American beautyberry is another popular choice among homeowners. It is easy to grow and perfect as a specimen plant in your backyard. The best fruit production occurs when the shrubs are planted in groups. These showy berries may persist even after the leaves have fallen, and will most probably be devoured by hungry birds. To encourage flowering, consider pruning the stems in late winter to early spring.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\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
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4-8 feet
\n\n\n\nVirginia Beach, part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, lies in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8. You should consider this before planting any new flowers, shrubs, or trees in your backyard. Additionally, professional gardeners and landscapers use this information to avoid planting non-native plants that will neither thrive nor benefit your local environment.
\n\n\n\nThe type of soil, exposure, and water needs are some of the major attributes you should always double-check on. If your landscape has the wrong type of acidic soil, is too shady, or suffers from harsh winters, even Virginia-native plants that cannot withstand such conditions may fail to establish themselves.
\n\n\n\nPawpaw is one of the largest edible trees in North America. Not only is it relished by us humans, but by many species of wildlife such as deer and raccoons. The pawpaw tree does not have distinguishing features, so you may end up walking past one without even noticing!
\n\n\n\nThe next time you’re walking around the local woods in late summer or early fall, keep an eye out for this tree and enjoy its fruit when it is just ripe.
\n\n\n\nBelieve it or not, there are some plants that grow all too well in the area. They grow so well that they are deemed invasive and damaging to your property. Growing Virginia-native plants is not just about boosting the local ecosystem, but also about preventing non-native species from invading the native ones or damaging your property.
\n\n\n\nAccording to the Virginia Department of Forestry, these are some of the worst invasive plants that you should avoid or help get rid of:
\n\n\n\nVisit the homepage of Virginia Native Plant Society at vnps.org to learn more about invasive plants, cultivars, and hybrids of native plants in Virginia Beach.
\n\n\n\nThe name might already sound familiar to most of you. The poison hemlock is arguably the most dangerous plant in Virginia Beach, if not all of North America. It is a highly toxic biennial with an unpleasant smell. The symptoms can start to appear rather quickly, and simply touching the plant can be enough to poison both humans and animals. All parts of the plant are dangerous, and symptoms can range from vomiting to seizures to respiratory failure.
\n\n\n\nYou should be extremely careful around this plant, as there is no antidote for hemlock poisoning. If you spot one in or around your property, you can contact local professionals to safely get rid of it.
\n\n\n\nVirginia has several native plants. To learn more about plants native to Virginia’s Capital Region, Northern Virginia, and Southeast Virginia, visit our guide to Virginia’s native plants.
\n\n\n\nMother nature is the obvious place to begin. You can spot native plants in the local woods, and sometimes near your own property. The second option is to look for nurseries or wildflower centers that specialize in selling native plants. Additionally, these local nurseries or centers can provide you with plenty of useful tips on how to maintain your native plant garden.
\n\n\n\nBelow are some plant nurseries and garden centers in Southeast Virginia where you can find native plants:
\n\n\n\nKeep your yard in tip-top shape so your native plant garden can shine. If you feel more comfortable hiring pros, contact a local lawn care professional who can maintain the yard’s hedges, turfgrass, and autumn leaves.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: GREEN HILL, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA / JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D. / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Virginia Beach, VA","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5267175572519085,"src":"/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/1789c/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.jpg","srcSet":"/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/107df/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.jpg 320w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/293e9/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.jpg 500w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/f2cbb/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.jpg 800w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/1789c/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.jpg 960w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/c26c2/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/1dd6e/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/67b76/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.webp 320w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/8df11/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.webp 500w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/98a65/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.webp 800w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/1dd6e/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.webp 960w,\n/static/93b473892657da1d41ded18a1c3cafbb/3cc96/Virginia-Beach-VA-Lawn.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Virginia Beach, VA | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Explore the best native plants for your Virginia Beach landscape, along with their attributes and tips on where to find them."}}},{"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":"00f4152c-89c8-58e5-a4c5-8086d747d6cb","slug":"value-well-kept-landscape","path":"/blog/landscaping/value-well-kept-landscape/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Bradley is a botanist who experiments with native plants from every region in the U.S. She’s dedicated to companion planting without the use of pesticides. Her own garden is filled with a variety of colors and textures.","name":"Danielle Bradley","id":"7329a804-3158-5b9f-94fc-835a4923557a","path":"/author/danielle-bradley/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a840af9ee5b616963d15a622658e9612?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7fc32475-4c73-58a8-996f-8b8d79ba2450","name":"Arizona","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/"},{"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/"},{"id":"90f74182-5f0d-5dd3-8d32-576a5a21d01d","name":"Phoenix","count":12,"path":"/category/lawn-care/az/phoenix/"}],"date":"October 3rd, 2019","excerpt":"A beautiful landscape is like the cover of a book. Neighbors and future buyers will know the inside is well-kept when the outside is pristine. A lush, green lawn also hits home with future house hunters, adding several thousand dollars to the value of your property. When it comes to Scottsdale real estate, the old […]
\n","content":"\nA beautiful landscape is like the cover of a book. Neighbors and future buyers will know the inside is well-kept when the outside is pristine. A lush, green lawn also hits home with future house hunters, adding several thousand dollars to the value of your property. When it comes to Scottsdale real estate, the old cliche of Location, location, location can be changed to Landscaping, landscaping, landscaping!
\n\n\n\nThere’s nothing like pulling up in front of your home after a hectic day and taking time to admire your yard. Your neighbors may be green with envy, especially if their yards are overgrown with tall grass, weeds, and out-of-control bushes and shrubs. All of which harbor insects, rodents, and other pests. Studies show a vibrant, green lawn also increases oxygen production. If you’re allergic to certain types of foliage, keeping your yard maintained can reduce the spread of allergens around your home. Prospective buyers, impressed with your landsdaping plan, kwil see the value of your home.
\n\n\n\nA nicely maintained yard with a deck, patio or swimming poolalso helps expand the square usable footage of your living space by allowing you to entertain outdoors. And a well-kept landscape gives your children a safe place to play as it adds to your home’s value.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the types of plants, animals, and trees that are in your area, failing to maintain your landscape can lead to property damage, which is not the curb appeal you want. Proper landscaping prevents water build-up outside and inside your home. Excess leaves and roots can clog your gutters and cause your roof to leak. Trees planted too close to your home can sink their roots in your foundation over time and crack your foundation, inviting water damage and mold. Those repairs can be costly, erode your home’s value, and, until they’re done, cut your resale value by makimg a bad first impression.
\n\n\n\nWhen the grass is greener on your side of the fence, your neighbors will be encouraged to keep up with their landscaping. This benefits the entire neighborhood by increasing property values. Few people want to buy a home next to a trashy yard! Many a neighborhood feud has started with code enforcement complaints and city fines for unkept lawns. Homeowner association covenants and restrictions often pile on, adding their own HOA penalty fees for failing to mow lawns, on top of the fines you’ll face for violating city ordinances.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5CTjjI_t-amIvMuqat0qEsidUHXsCtwS48adpLWCz42pbWxvVGrCDBywGsbnXtKnFwAm0DBbHtUZ1Ma825upNTbwO5zWdfrCz4Neu67dMtE4THKVpEgbcmCSHhAT31LetGqJJa8p\")
Green lawns save you plenty of green as they add to your home’s value. It costs more money to restore a yard that is ravaged by weeds, dry patches, and unruly foliage. The more severe your lawn issues are, the more it will cost to repair them, and the longer the process will take. Homebuyers and potential buyers won’t want to wait for you to deal with your front yard landscape issues. When plants and shrubs are groomed properly and weeds are treated early, you can tend to your yard on a regular basis in a fraction of the time.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining your landscape is an underrated home improvement that can do wonders for your home. If you find it overwhelming, you can hire a professional to take care of it for you. You’ll save money on repairs in the long run.
\n","title":"The Value of a Well-Kept Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1789c/money_shot.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/107df/money_shot.jpg 320w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/293e9/money_shot.jpg 500w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/f2cbb/money_shot.jpg 800w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1789c/money_shot.jpg 960w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/a2a79/money_shot.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1dd6e/money_shot.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/67b76/money_shot.webp 320w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/8df11/money_shot.webp 500w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/98a65/money_shot.webp 800w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/1dd6e/money_shot.webp 960w,\n/static/5d713d4a23bad4a6a409511a60686f96/7aa54/money_shot.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Value of a Well-Kept Landscape | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"af0ab3b1-589f-5ebb-b53b-eeca82d451bc","slug":"best-native-plants-southeast-virginia","path":"/lawn-care/virginia/southeast-virginia/best-native-plants-southeast-virginia/","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":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"},{"id":"e3ae6f66-0bfc-57c1-9bb1-48a2124e6360","name":"Southeast Virginia","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/southeast-virginia/"},{"id":"ddd20ffd-f767-55d6-8823-27520167ef7e","name":"Virginia","count":20,"path":"/category/lawn-care/virginia/"}],"date":"May 1st, 2023","excerpt":"Southeast Virginia is blessed with a temperate climate where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. From snapping pictures of seals in Blakeney Point to taking long walks in Buckroe Beach and Park, there are plenty of activities for nature lovers to enjoy. Wondering how you can give back to the local ecosystem? With […]
\n","content":"\nSoutheast Virginia is blessed with a temperate climate where you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. From snapping pictures of seals in Blakeney Point to taking long walks in Buckroe Beach and Park, there are plenty of activities for nature lovers to enjoy. Wondering how you can give back to the local ecosystem? With 10 of the best native plants for Southeast Virginia, you get to spruce up your backyard and support the local wildlife habitat.
\n\n\n\nNative plant gardens are generally low-maintenance, water-efficient, and essential to the survival of butterflies and pollinators. However, it is important to note that not all Virginia-native plants thrive in this part of the state. The following section will list some of the best plants for your native Southeast landscape, along with their characteristics.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis part of Virginia, east of Piedmont, lies in USDA Hardiness zones 7b and 8a. The temperature typically varies from 32 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, with muggy summers and cold, windy winters. Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay are not prone to prolonged periods of extreme weather, allowing a variety of plant species to thrive.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Red-Chokeberry-Aronia-arbutifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Mr.TinMD / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with green leaves that turn orangish-red in the fall. During this period, pear-shaped berries appear and may persist through winter. These fruits can be used in making jams, but can also be eaten raw!
\n\n\n\nRed chokeberry is an excellent addition to your native landscape with high wildlife value. It is a source of nectar to bees and butterflies. Additionally, this plant’s fruits are an excellent food source for a variety of 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\nPotential hazards: Leaves, bark, stem, and stones (seed pit) are all toxic. Chewing on the stems and leaves could be fatal.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Common-Buttonbush-Cephalanthus-occidentalis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nCommon buttonbush is a hardy shrub with green leaves and round flower clusters. They tend to bloom during midsummer. This native plant species is a fast grower, making it useful to prevent erosion in wetlands or near rivers. Common buttonbush attracts more than 24 species of birds, as well as butterflies and pollinators. It is perfect for rain and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 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\nPotential hazards: Leaves are toxic to domesticated animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry is a bushy, deciduous shrub that is easy to grow. In early summer, it bears clusters of small flowers that can be pink or white in color. These flowers are followed by bright violet fruits which encircle the plant’s woody stems. The best fruit production occurs when the shrubs are planted in groups. Unfortunately, American beautyberries may die back to the ground in areas with harsh winters.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 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/American-Witch-Hazel-Hamamelis-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nPlanted as a shrub or small tree, the American witch hazel boasts sweetly-scented flowers in fall and early spring. Each flower consists of 4 golden yellow petals. This native plant sports smooth oval leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. No regular pruning is required for this plant, but you can always remove any damaged, dead, or weak shoots.
\n\n\n\nThe American witch hazel is the species from which medicinal witch-hazel extract is made. Overall, its smooth gray bark and colorful fall foliage make it a great addition to your native garden.
\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\nCommon winterberry is a stunningly beautiful shrub that is native to the eastern United States. It is classified as dioecious, so the male variety planted close to the female plant will lead to the production of bright red berries. Unlike the classic Christmas holly, this species loses its leaves every autumn. However, you may still use the red-fruited branches to make lovely home decorations. Common winterberry is great as a specimen plant or in mixed shrub borders.
\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: Fruit can be poisonous to pets and people
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-Redbud-Cercis-canadensis-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nEastern Redbud, also known as ‘Ace of Hearts’, is a deciduous tree with unique branching patterns. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so be sure to pick a proper permanent spot for this plant in your garden. The rose pink to light purple flowers mature in early spring, and attract scores of bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nIt is important to note that this native plant is very sensitive to herbicides and other chemicals sprayed on lawns. Used for shrub borders or as a specimen plant, eastern redbud can provide your native garden with an elegant touch.
\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![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is another species that can be used as a shrub or ornamental tree. This native plant produces showy, long-lasting fruits that are a valuable source of food for songbirds and small mammals. In hot and moist summers, you can add a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a perfect fit for shrub borders, woodland gardens, or naturalized gardens. Many landscapers and gardeners regard this plant as one of the best flowering trees native to the area.
\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\nPotential hazards: The fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nBlack Huckleberry is a low-growing deciduous shrub, with a foliage that turns orange and crimson in the fall. Urn-shaped red to pink flowers appear in late spring to mid summer. These flowers are followed by edible purplish-black berries that humans, birds, and other wildlife can enjoy.
\n\n\n\nBlack huckleberry has a shallow-spreading root system that helps prevent erosion on rocky hillsides. This native plant is perfect for wildlife gardens, shrub borders, and foundation plantings.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet berry smell
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is a bushy perennial that is native to most of the United States. It boasts clusters of yellow-orange flowers which bloom continuously throughout summer. These flowers are followed by seed pods in the fall. This native perennial performs quite well in poor, dry soils. More importantly, milkweed doesn’t handle transplanting very well and should be left undisturbed once established.
\n\n\n\nA great nectar source for birds and insects, butterfly milkweed is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies. Consider adding this plant to your native landscape and help reverse their fortune.
\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 – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Can be lethal to horses, cats, and dogs
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Beebalm-Monarda.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Alan Silvester / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBee balm is a clump-forming perennial that is a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators. It is one of the showiest summer-blooming perennials you can get for your native garden. Bee balms have very distinctive tubular flowers that help you create visually stunning border displays. These Monarda species combine well with other summer perennials, such as phlox, and make excellent cut flowers.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial plant
\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: Minty aroma when leaves are crushed
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Average
\n\n\n\nAll of the plants mentioned above are native to Southeast Virginia, and should grow properly under normal circumstances. However, there is another decisive factor that cannot be overlooked: your landscape.
\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\nSeveral of the plants listed in this article are native to Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach Native Plants include:
• Butterfly Milkweed
• Cardinal Flower
• Inkberry Holly
• Fall Phlox
• Eastern Redbud
• Sweetbay Magnolia
• Trumpet Honeysuckle
• Smooth Alder
• Virginian Witch Hazel
• American Beautyberry
The purple fringeless orchid is one of the rarest orchid species in the state. It is a short plant with a cluster of pinkish-purple flowers, with a maximum height of 3 feet. The Department of Conservation and Recreation ranks it as ‘critically imperiled’, with estimates that less than 1,000 of these plants remain in Virginia.
Invasive plant species are unwanted for a reason. They harm native plants and basically threaten the entire state’s forests and landscapes. Invasive plants can include grasses, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Below are some of the non-native and invasive plant species in Virginia:
• Alligator weed
• Japanese sand sedge
• Chinese privet
• Marsh Dewflower
For more information on invasive plants, you can visit the Virginia Department of Forestry website.
The tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a deciduous tree that was introduced as an ornamental species. It has leaves that resemble native sumac and walnut species. Tree-of-heaven is originally from China and classified as invasive in the state of Virginia. Concerning the southeastern cities, it can be found in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Hampton.
Northern Virginia’s native plants include:
• Red columbine
• Common yarrow
• Yellow wild indigo
• White turtlehead
• Maryland golden-aster
• Spring beauty
• Eastern rose-mallow
• Turk’s-cap lily
Plants native to Virginia’s Capital Region include:
• Black oak
• Willow oak
• Sassafras
• Common partridge-pea
• Smooth oxeye
• Arrow arum
• Wild pink
• Red chokeberry
Plant species native to Southeast Virginia 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 them, but they can provide answers to any of your questions regarding native species and how to grow them properly.
\n\n\n\nFor 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\nBut why stop at native plants? With several low-maintenance landscaping ideas that include hardscaping features and Virginia grass types, you can design a unique and visually appealing outdoor space with minimal backyard chores.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will still require the occasional upkeep. Whether you live in Virginia Beach, Newport News, or Suffolk, we can help you hire a local lawn care professional to handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, or edging.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southeast Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5009380863039399,"src":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/f2cbb/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg","srcSet":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/107df/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg 320w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/293e9/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg 500w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/f2cbb/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.jpg 800w","srcWebp":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/98a65/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/67b76/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp 320w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/8df11/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp 500w,\n/static/529af5fb7b1388973a5051e487c5cfd5/98a65/Native-Plant-for-Southeast-Vigina.webp 800w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southeast Virginia | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Explore the best native plants for Southeast Virginia, and boost the local ecosystem by creating a visually appealing native landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"dc7f3dac-5cba-5ff9-a672-1b00d6dddc6d","slug":"benefits-of-french-drain","path":"/blog/benefits-of-french-drain/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Carmen Dexter is a freelance journalist and teacher who enjoys growing her own organic food and recycling as much as possible.","name":"Carmen Dexter","id":"f23ec685-a615-5004-a3fd-c0bfe6b2c9ec","path":"/author/carmen-dexter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e37085a8a22d319f3383613d59d54c5f?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":"September 1st, 2022","excerpt":"You spent a ton of money on landscaping but forgot to add a drainage system. If standing water is now causing problems, homeowners should look into a French drain. Why? Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home’s foundation. In this article we’ll cover these […]
\n","content":"\nYou spent a ton of money on landscaping but forgot to add a drainage system. If standing water is now causing problems, homeowners should look into a French drain. Why? Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\nIn this article we’ll cover these topics:
\n\n\n\nIt sounds a little ooh-la-la but a French drain is simply a trench dug into the ground for excess water to drain out of your yard. Built on a slight slope, a French drain can be 6 inches in diameter to a couple of feet, the wider the better. It functions a bit like the gutters on your house by forcing the water flow downhill and away from your home’s foundation.
\n\n\n\nMost French drains now have a perforated pipe in the trench, although the original drains simply used gravel or small rocks on top of a ditch. The rock element is used whether there is a pipe or not, as it’s permeable and water flows through.
\n\n\n\nThis underground drainage system works well for lawns with poor drainage.
\n\n\n\nExcess water from your yard flows through the French drain and into the street gutter or a dry well. And because a perforated pipe is used, water is collected throughout the entire drainage system.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard repeatedly floods or you experience basement flooding, a French drain may work for you. If there is always standing water in your yard after a good rain, this may be a good drainage solution. Even if you have a sump pump in your basement, an interior French drain can help by redirecting excess water to the sump, where it can then be pumped out.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a retaining wall or are building one on a hill or slope, a French drain system will keep water from pooling at the bottom of the wall or running toward your home. A French drain redirects surface water away from the retaining wall so it won’t undermine the structure.
\n\n\n\nHere are four benefits of installing a French drain in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA French drain:
\n\n\n\nPrevents Standing Water
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes love puddles. Standing water in your lawn becomes a breeding ground for the pesky and sometimes disease-carrying bugs.
\n\n\n\nExcess water encourages mold and fungus growth on your grass and even kills it and other plants by drowning them. That, in turn, creates mud that gets tracked into your house.
\n\n\n\nA French drain removes standing water by draining it downhill. It redirects the overflow to run through the trench, into the street gutter and down the storm drain.
\n\n\n\nStops Soil Erosion
\n\n\n\nHealthy soil is a must for a lush, green lawn. Too much surface water may cause soil erosion by washing away topsoil, the top layer that’s necessary for the growth of grass and plants. That may leave you with a muddy, grass-less mess. Adding a French drain to your yard keeps topsoil right where it needs to be, ensuring that your lawn and landscaping remain bright and healthy.
\n\n\n\nProtects Home’s Foundation
\n\n\n\nA huge benefit of a French drain is the protection it provides for your home’s foundation and basement.
\n\n\n\nWhen water builds up against foundations, the hydrostatic pressure (the constant force the water puts on your basement walls) can erode the concrete and threaten the structural integrity of the foundation. How to prevent this? A homeowner or builder might include a French drain system in the basement waterproofing.
\n\n\n\nWooden foundations and crawl spaces are also susceptible to damage from water pressure, as the wood can rot and crumble and concrete footings can crack.
\n\n\n\nFrench drains work particularly well in land with clay soil. This type of soil drains slowly, so adding a trench to the yard removes water before it can cause damage to your property.
\n\n\n\nThe same principle applies when building a retaining wall in your yard. A French drain removes hydrostatic pressure from the wall, keeping it stable and in place.
\n\n\n\nAdds Value
\n\n\n\nA French drain is beneficial beyond removing excess water from your yard; it can add value to your property by protecting your home’s foundation. Prospective buyers want to know that their home won’t be threatened by standing water and a French drain gives them that peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nDepending on how decorative you make the trench, a French drain also adds a pleasant hardscaping element to your lawn. You can use colored rocks instead of gravel, smooth or rough and different shapes and sizes. River rock, for example, gives the look of a dry creek bed.
\n\n\n\nSome homeowners use plants to camouflage the French drain. Flowers or other plants run the length of the trench, hiding the trench. You can also add borders around the French drain of concrete, pavers, or crushed quartz.
\n\n\n\nHere are some potential problems to be aware of if you’re considering a French drain for your yard.
\n\n\n\nClogs
\n\n\n\nA clogged drain is an inefficient drain and can even cause damage. Clogging is the biggest issue French drain owners face. Water often carries sediment through the pipe, creating mud that may cause blockages.
\n\n\n\nClogs are also caused by the roots of trees, grass, and scrubs encroaching on the pipe and trench. When a French drain is clogged, water isn’t properly redirected. This leads to leaks that may damage your home’s foundation or create standing water in other areas.
\n\n\n\nBackflow
\n\n\n\nBackflow is when groundwater seeps into the soil and the dry well fills up, leaving excess water with nowhere to go. This causes the water flow to go back up the drainage system and leave standing water in the basement or in the original problem area.
\n\n\n\nHomeowners with access to the city gutters and storm sewer system don’t usually have this problem. Those without that access may have to redirect the water somewhere else.
\n\n\n\nZoning Rules
\n\n\n\nIt’s key to know city zoning rules BEFORE you start a French drain installation, so check with your local zoning board to see if you need a permit.
\n\n\n\nIt’s imperative that homeowners not dig into utility lines. Call 811 and put in a utility line locator request before you lift that first shovel full of dirt.
\n\n\n\nThere’s quite a bit of digging involved but a French drain can be a DIY project. Factors on deciding whether to tackle it yourself include the length and depth of the ditch and what kind of hardscape you choose to surround it with.
\n\n\n\nAs a bonus, installing a French drain won’t cost you a fortune or take much time, and your yard won’t be wrecked as a result. You only need to consult a professional to ensure the French drain is being installed correctly.
\n\n\n\nMain photo credit: Geograph | CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"Benefits of a French Drain","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7777777777777777,"src":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1789c/rsz_untitled_design.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/107df/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 320w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/293e9/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 500w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/f2cbb/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 800w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1789c/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 960w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/c26c2/rsz_untitled_design.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1dd6e/rsz_untitled_design.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/67b76/rsz_untitled_design.webp 320w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/8df11/rsz_untitled_design.webp 500w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/98a65/rsz_untitled_design.webp 800w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/1dd6e/rsz_untitled_design.webp 960w,\n/static/cdd804e86de3157b9aa63721696c5dbd/3cc96/rsz_untitled_design.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Benefits of a French Drain | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Benefits of a French drain include that it prevents standing water, stops soil erosion, and protects your home's foundation."}}},{"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":"367475e8-37e1-57ee-b643-d3aca209d1ce","slug":"best-native-plants-tulsa","path":"/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/best-native-plants-tulsa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Caleb Leonard is a freelance writer and marketing professional. A graduate of the University of North Texas, his interests include gardening, podcasts, and studying Spanish.","name":"Caleb Leonard","id":"1c332919-8490-5383-95ec-6ae90855221c","path":"/author/caleb-leonard/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ac26f4a5bb894df76f4af23dd100da4?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":"105f656f-2e37-56d3-ad23-147a8a48d26a","name":"Tulsa","count":2,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ok/tulsa/"}],"date":"April 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Nestled between the Ozarks and the Great Plains, Tulsa has a lush, hilly landscape that produces beautiful native flora. This article highlights the best native plants for Tulsa, OK. Here we will discuss the benefits of integrating native plants into your landscape, highlight a few native species, and answer some frequently asked questions about native […]
\n","content":"\nNestled between the Ozarks and the Great Plains, Tulsa has a lush, hilly landscape that produces beautiful native flora. This article highlights the best native plants for Tulsa, OK. Here we will discuss the benefits of integrating native plants into your landscape, highlight a few native species, and answer some frequently asked questions about native planting.
\n\n\n\nNative plants have had thousands of years to develop in a particular ecosystem. With that much local experience, the native plants covered in this article need virtually no assistance to thrive in Tulsa’s temperate climate.
\n\n\n\nOther perks of growing native plants include:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover the following:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bluestar-Amsonia-tabernaemontana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nBluestar is a medium-sized shrub that compliments the landscape of Oklahoma with its four-season interest. This shrub produces clusters of small powder-blue flowers from March until May. The star-shaped blooms attract pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and carpenter bees. This herbaceous perennial has soft green stems and leaves that turn a buttery yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nBluestar prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It has a vase-shaped growth pattern, with wax stems that are toxic to ingest, so any whitetail deer that pop in won’t hang around. This shrub is not prone to disease and is available in dwarf varieties, such as ‘Blue ice,’ if you need to landscape a small space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loamy, moist soil
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March-May
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, delicate scent
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Needs frequent watering (should never dry out)
\n\n\n\nMature height: 24 to 36 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic (dogs, cats, humans)
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Cut one-third of the plant back each spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Bee](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coneflower-Echinacea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare
\n\n\n\nEchinacea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, but Tulsa residents probably recognize this distinct perennial as a local wildflower. Named after the Greek word ‘echinus,’ which means hedgehog, this flower has a spikey, cone-shaped center that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nThese native flowers grow 2 to 4 feet tall and produce blooms from July through September. As the plant matures, its petals droop, highlighting the coneflower’s signature cone shape. A sun-loving flower, this plant is accustomed to the fertile loam of the prairies; however, it will tolerate dryer, sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nThe coneflower is available in yellow, red, orange, purple, and white, with purple being the most common. Plant a variety of colors for a cheerful springtime look, and be sure they get plenty of sunlight.
\n\n\n\nSome coneflower varieties worth exploring:
\n\n\n\nMost coneflowers rebloom without deadheading, which adds to their low-maintenance appeal.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers fertile loam, tolerates clay
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch of water weekly.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Water weekly, add a layer of compost in the spring. Cut back in the fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Indian-Blanket-Gaillardia-pulchella.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIndian blanket is Oklahoma’s state wildflower. This colorful flower gets its name from how its blooms blanket the ground with vibrant color patterns often found in Native American weaving baskets. A member of the daisy family, this multi-tonal flowering plant has a reddish-pink center that bleeds to yellow towards the tips of the petals.
\n\n\n\nEasy to care for and drought-tolerant, Indian blanket blooms from May through July, and occasionally the colorful blooms continue into the fall. Pollinators are drawn to these flowers’ colors and sweet fragrances, making them an excellent addition to butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering annual
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Poor soils, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Depending on the habitat, the scents range from licorice to bubblegum.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water daily during germination. Then after blooms appear, you may water once or twice a week when the ground dries out.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: aphids and thrips, Aster yellow
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: No maintenance is required.
\n\n\n\nThis list of native plants would be incomplete without mentioning Oklahoma’s state tree, the eastern redbud. Favored for its stout stature and brilliant violet blooms in spring, the Oklahoma redbud has heart-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall. This tree adds four-season interest to Tulsa’s hilly forests. This redbud is also remarkably drought-tolerant.
\n\n\n\nThis deer-resistant tree is excellent for smaller yards in need of visual interest. As one of the first trees to bloom each year, the redbud’s bloom proclaims spring’s arrival. Due to its deep root systems, the eastern redbud can withstand Tulsa’s harsh winters.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flowering deciduous tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, part shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet pea
\n\n\n\nSeasons of interest: Purple blooms in spring, and leaves turn yellow in the fall.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Minimal.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 25 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize annually and add mulch. Prune after blooming as needed.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purple-Passion-Vine-Passiflora-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nPassion flowers may be synonymous with the tropics, but the purple passion vine stems from Texas and Oklahoma. This tenacious vine can grow up to 25 feet long and produces unique purple flowers that add a regal touch to arches and trellises. In addition to producing flowers, this vine produces edible fruit, which is used to relieve anxiety and sleep problems.
\n\n\n\nThis low-maintenance vine is considered drought-tolerant; however, it needs regular moisture to produce flowers and fruit from mid-summer through fall. The uniquely shaped flowers have spaced-out petals surrounded by a dazzling array of thin, crimped, hair-like segments that lend an exotic feel to any Oklahoma garden. The vine blooms spring through the fall, though most blooms last only 24 hours.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous flowering vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, non-saline clays, loams, and san
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, tropical. Reminiscent of grapes.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water every week.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 8 feet tall, 25 feet long
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Fertilize in spring, prune in early spring.
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxFuel
\n\n\n\nIf you want to lure butterflies to your garden, try planting butterfly milkweed. Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on this wildflower, which the caterpillars use as a food source while growing. Twenty-five milkweed cultivars are native to Oklahoma, so gardeners should have no problem selecting the perfect native specimen for their lawns.
\n\n\n\nDon’t be deterred by the term “weed’–– this plant produces clusters of small, orange, star-shaped flowers that bring a burst of unexpected color to any landscape. This herbaceous perennial loves sunlight and is drought-tolerant. Thanks to its long tap root, this plant only needs an inch of water a week.
\n\n\n\nThis plant releases seed pods in the fall and can become invasive. To stop the unwanted spread around your home garden, you’ll need to cut off the seed pods in late summer.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Dry soil, well-drained
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested by people, pets, and livestock.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants. Do not fertilize.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bitternut-Hickory-Carya-cordiformis-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA deciduous tree that bridges the divide between the hilly forests and prairie land around Tulsa, the bitternut hickory is among the tallest trees in the hickory family. This tree reaches heights of 60 to 80 feet and provides excellent shade. Its long, narrow leaves with serrated edges fade from green to bright yellow each fall. This hickory holds its spectacular foliage longer than most trees.
\n\n\n\nThe bitternut tree is named after the bitter-tasting nuts it produces when it blooms each April. Male flower clusters bond together to make green, rope-like tendrils called catkins, while female flowers produce the bitter fruit after which the tree is named.
\n\n\n\nThe nuts of the bitternut hickory might be too bitter for the human palate, but they are a favorite among squirrels, raccoons, foxes, chipmunks, and rabbits.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous perennial tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam and well-drained quartz sands
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: an inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 60 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wild-Hyacinth-Camassia-scilloides.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA clump-forming bulbous perennial, the wild hyacinth produces upright clusters of small flowers called racemes. These star-shaped flowers are mostly white but can also be found in lavender, pink, and blue.
\n\n\n\nThey reseed themselves; however, they are easier to grow from bulbs. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart for best results. Like lilies, irises, and other blossoming springtime bulbs, the wild hyacinth has a relatively short bloom time.
\n\n\n\nAfter your hyacinths have finished flowering, remove their blooms, but do not remove their foliage. In order to produce next year’s blooms, bulbs need their leaves to gather energy. Foliage will naturally die back at the end of spring. To prevent fungal diseases, remove the leaves once they have turned brown.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun/ partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Rich, acidic soils, chalk, loam, sandy soil.
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to June
\n\n\n\nScent: Heavy, earthy, and sweet.
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Regular moisture during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry at a depth of 3 inches.
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Avoid overwatering established plants.
\n\n\n\nTulsa, Oklahoma, sits within zone 7 on the USDA hardiness zone map, meaning wintertime temps can drop to negative 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Native plants are accustomed to eastern Oklahoma’s winters and will return to life each spring.
\n\n\n\nAll plants have unique sun, soil, and water requirements, so consider these needs when planting. Also, consider your plant’s mature size when spacing your specimens to avoid overcrowding.
\n\n\n\nAsk your local plant nursery about resources for native seeds and plants. You can even find landscapers who specialize in native plant gardening if you want a professional to set up your eco-friendly yard.
\n\n\n\n While digging up a plant from a nearby meadow or prairie may be tempting, transplanting a wild specimen is not a good idea. Digging up native plants disrupts local ecosystems. Plus, some native species are endangered, and transplanting them risks killing them.
Autumn and early spring are the best times to plant native plants because the cooler temperatures and increased precipitation make for a gentler introduction to the new environment.
The beauty of native plants is their low-maintenance needs. Even before planting, most native species need no special treatment. You may aerate the soil and add 0.5 to 1 inch of compost to the soil, but no preparation is necessary.
It can be difficult to find native plants at national garden warehouse retailers. Check out these local nurseries for native Tulsa species.
\n\n\n\nEven though Oklahoma’s native plants don’t need much attention, your landscape may begin to look a little too wild without partial interference. Thankfully, a local lawn care pro can tame your yard’s turf, hedges, and edging to achieve the manicured look.
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