Spring is more than just a lovely maiden with her delicate touch of ethereal pastels and wispy, burgeoning buds. She is a lion hearted warrior who battles the lashing tail of Winter’s retreat, so life can again prosper under her careful and selfless watch.

Spring is an excellent time to take action, and in keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, we dig a bit deeper into Native plants.  Native can be defined as indigenous to a certain area that have existed over many thousands of years in a particular area. Generally speaking, Native plants require little to no human intervention in way of supplemental watering, soil amendments or pesticides. They naturally thrive in our soil and environment and are equally as appealing.

We understand not everyone is ready to overhaul their gardens, but why not consider incorporating a few of the more unique Native plants, which are readily available and will make a stunning addition to your landscape?

Steeplebush
Uncommon shrub with spires of feathery pink flowers that bloom July – September amongst foliage that turns a lovely golden-red in Fall.  Prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade and moist soil.  Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4′ wide.  Attracts butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Cardinal Flower
Spiky bright red flowers bloom atop upright stems from July – September. Prefers sun to partial shade and moist to wet soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 18-24″ wide. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Drummond Pink Creeping Phlox
Fragrant, large, deep-pink flowers bloom late Spring to early Summer amongst dark green, needle-like foliage. Prefers full sun and dry to normal soil. Grows 3-6” tall and 18-24” wide in a low mat, perfect for climbing walls or over rocks. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Jacob’s Ladder
Clusters of soft blue flowers bloom May – June amongst fern-like foliage that rises up the stem like a ladder. Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 8-12″ tall and 8-24″ wide. Attracts butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife

Ice Ballet Milkweed
Fragrant clusters or creamy white flowers bloom June – September on upright stems with thick, light green leaves. Prefers sun to partial shade, and dry to medium well-drained soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4’ wide. Food source for Monarch Butterfly larvae. Deer resistant

Big Leaved Aster
Pale lavender flowers with cheery yellow centers bloom late Summer to early Fall amongst heart-shaped foliage. Prefers shade to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 24-36″ tall and 36-48″ wide. Attracts butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Star Tickseed
Bright yellow, saucer-like flowers bloom May – September amongst a low mat of fuzzy, green foliage. Prefers full sun, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 12-18” tall and 12-18” wide. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Drought tolerant.

Adding Natives to your garden will not only help support the environment, local eco system and wildlife, you too will benefit from their beauty and utter ease. Contact Sweeney’s today, and we’ll help get you started! Welcome to the wonderful world of Native Plants. We’re glad you’re here.

Plant of the Week

Purple-Sheathed Graceful Sedge

Clump forming with fine, gracefully arching blades that produce strings of bead-like seeds in Summer.  Prefers shade to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 18-24″ tall and 12-18″ wide.

“Native plants give us a sense of where we are in this great land of ours…”

-Lady Bird Johnson

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney