Aaron DienerOnce 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.
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.
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.
From 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 (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.
Battery-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.
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
The 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.
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.
Discover the best native plants for ecological landscaping with the Paddle Creek Gardens Native Plant Library. Explore profiles based on ecological function and design role.