Restore Life to the Landscape
Practical design guidance and resources for landscapes and gardens that work with nature, not against it.
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.
Eco-Friendly Pest Control
From unwanted animal pests to insect control and prevention, browse our recommendations for environmentally-minded pest control products.
Latest Articles
- Restore Life to Your Landscape – Planning your PlantingsOnce you’ve gotten to understand your site characteristics and developed a palette of plants native to your region, you’re now ready to get a plan on paper. This article runs through the basics of transferring landscape design ideas to a physical, concrete plan, giving your landscape the best chance at success.
- Quercus rubra (Northern Red Oak)
One of the fastest-growing and widely adaptable native hardwoods of Eastern North America, Red Oak is a keystone species that has a lot to offer for the designed landscape. Attractive deep-green leaves turn a brilliant crimson to scarlet color in Autumn, and acorns provide food for all kinds of wildlife. Supports hundreds of species of Lepidoptera, the base of the food web. - Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Arguably the most well-loved native flowering tree in Eastern North America, Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is a garden workhorse when it comes to both aesthetic beauty and ecological function. A four-season interest tree that also supports over 100 different species of caterpillars, Flowering Dogwood should be planted everywhere it can be grown. - Eco-Friendly Pest Control ProductsFrom unwanted animals to insect prevention and control, read through our recommended products that we use at the garden to keep pests under control.
- Viola striata (Striped Cream Violet)
Viola striata (Common name striped cream violet) is a hardy filler plant native to the eastern U.S. and Southeastern Canada, thriving in moist woodlands. It grows 12-18 inches tall, attracting native bees and serving as a host for butterflies. Easy to cultivate, it performs best in mesic environments and makes for an excellent filler plant in shaded landscapes.
About Paddle Creek Gardens
Resources for a More Sustainable Approach to Landscaping and Gardening
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.