A Better Way
to Landscape.
Our Nature-Driven Design Methodology helps Landscape Designers and Gardeners to create biodiverse, resilient landscapes that provide ecological function while preserving a cultivated aesthetic.
Tools and Resources Recommendations
Seasonal features of our recommendations for eco-friendly products, resources, and services that support sustainable and functional landscapes.
Seed Starting Supplies
Our preferred pots, potting soils, and equipment for starting plants from seed, both indoors and outdoors.
Latest Articles
- Save Time and Money with Battery-Powered Landscaping EquipmentBattery-powered machinery, equipment and vehicles have revolutionized motorized objects, and landscaping tools are no exception. Save money, stop noise and pollution – Switch to battery powered for smarter, sustainable landscaping.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
One of the widest-ranging native grasses, Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a highly ornamental and widely tolerant native prairie grass. Beginning with bluish-green new growth in Spring and finishing with orange to russet fall color that lasts well into the winter, Little Bluestem is an all-seasons interest plant to include in the landscape. Growing from … Read more - Restore Life to Your Landscape – How to Build Your Plant PaletteThe species you choose are more than just a list of pretty-looking plants, they are the foundation of your design’s success. Taking a little time to work through species selection to create a species palette ensures your landscape not only thrives in your site’s conditions, but also contributes to the broader ecological web, supporting biodiversity and ecological function.
- Pycnanthemum muticum (Short-Tooth Mountain Mint)
2025 Perennial Plant of the Year. Short-Tooth Mountain Mint is a vigorous, interesting-looking native perennial. All parts of the plant smell strongly of camphor and peppermint, a feature that prevents deer and rabbits from eating the plants. Dusty-colored plants give way to white flowers backed by bracts that look as if they have been spray painted, with the color reminiscent of the old-fashioned garden annual Dusty Miller. - Native Plant Library for Landscape DesignDiscover the best native plants for ecological landscaping with the Paddle Creek Gardens Native Plant Library. Explore profiles based on ecological function and design role.
About Paddle Creek Gardens
Mission
To realize the potential in every landscape to support life.
Vision
To Be the trusted voice in today’s landscape design ethic and aesthetic.
Values
- Ecological Function First – Supporting life and biodiversity should be the first goal of a vegetated landscape.
- Preserve a Cultivated Aesthetic – We don’t have to forgo aesthetics to achieve garden full of life.
- Make Impactful Choices – The 80/20 Rule can help us make design choices that will provide the most impact, visually and ecologically.
Our Story
Started in 2013 as a GreenTec Nursery, Paddle Creek Gardens has its roots in propagating and supplying native plants. We have transitioned away from nursery stock since 2023, focusing more on providing information and services to promote a new approach to landscape design.
As humanity develops more land and take up more space, it’s becoming even more important to ensure our gardens are providing ecological function in addition to aesthetics. Our mission at Paddle Creek Gardens is to ensure that the potential to support life is realized in every garden, and it’s our passion to provide gardeners, landscapers and property owners – Professionals and amateurs alike – with the tools and resources they need to bring their landscapes to life.
Our Nature-Driven Design methodology clarifies our ideas, redefining landscape design with an ecology-first, practical approach to designing, planting and maintaining landscapes.