Piedmont Triad gardening services
Gardening in Piedmont Triad, NC
North Carolina might be known for its beaches, but it has plenty of beautiful natural plant life, too. If you are thinking of starting a garden in North Carolina, there are many great options. Your best bet is to plant native species, which are adapted to the local climate and environment. This means that they require less maintenance, including water and fertilizer, than non-native species. Unlike non-native species, they are unlikely to become weeds or a garden nuisance, especially with proper management. Native plants and flowers are generally water-wise, which means they will not require as much water as other introduced species. Some native plants are used for flooding and erosion control, too. Many also provide food for pollinators.
Selecting Native North Carolina Species
Getting a quality garden started might initially take a little more time and effort. But once your plants start growing in earnest, you'll find that very few, if any, have higher maintenance needs. Fortunately, the lengthy list of native species in Piedmont Triad contains a mixture of sun-loving plants and those that prefer shade instead. They also grow in a variety of soils, which means there are options for every garden. Some flowers are easier to grow than others, which makes them optimal choices for novice gardeners.
If you're looking to add a few flowers to your garden or you want to establish a garden from scratch, the North Carolina Native Plant Society provides suggestions for vines, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and more.
- Elderberry
- Trumpet Vine
- Maidenhair Fern
- Blue Star
- Green Dragon
- Carolina Phlox
- Aster
Elderberry is a perennial shrub, which means it comes back from one growing season to the next. Elderberry produces attractive green foliage in the spring. It also produces white blooms later in the season. This shrub can grow in either full sun or partial shade. If it's planted in the sun, it should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. If it's planted in the shade, it should get somewhere between two and six hours of sunlight daily.
Trumpet vine, which is also called the "Trumpet creeper," is a beautiful flowering vine with brilliant red to orange tubular flowers. This vine is native to the Carolinas. It also has a wide natural range across the East Coast, farther north into Canada, and south into Latin America. This vine, as evidenced by its broad range, is a hardy and versatile species. Trumpet vine can grow quickly, which means that proper management is essential to ensure it stays under control. The vine can also be trained to create beautiful shapes. Care for this vine is simple. It does best with regular pruning.
If you're looking for an ideal plant for a shaded garden, Maidenhair fern is a good choice. This fern belongs to the fern family, which has over 250 different species. Maidenhair fern does not grow well in direct sunlight outdoors. However, it can be grown successfully indoors with indirect sun exposure. Maidenhair fern, like many members of the fern family, prefers to stay moderately moist. The roots should remain relatively moist, as the plant can die if it is allowed to dry out.
Blue star also goes by the name of "Amsonia." It is one of the older plant species in the United States, dating back to the late 1700s. This plant, as you might guess, gets its name from its lovely star-shaped blue flowers. Blue star's flowers are small, but they blossom in large clusters that give the plant a dramatic appearance. Blue star is native to the Mediterranean and East Asia, which makes it naturally suited for North Carolina's balmy summers and long growing season.
If you want a flower with unique physical characteristics, consider the Green dragon. This mesmerizing plant features a tall upright stem that forks at the top. It only produces one flower, which is a long red flower that looks like a stem. The flower emerges from the forked stem and leans to the side, which gives the plant the appearance of having a long red dragon's tongue.
Carolina phlox, which is sometimes called "Phlox Carolina," continually blooms, although intermittently, from spring until the first frost appears. This plant produces attractive flowers that range in color from pale pink to lavender. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this plant has the advantage of disease resistance.
Aster flowers are perennials with distinctive star-shaped flower heads. Asters vary widely in physical characteristics. Shorter flowers reach a full height of eight inches, while others can reach eight feet tall or more! Aster flowers are very similar to daisies in overall shape. However, Asters are distinguished by their flower color, which is along the spectrum of pink or purple.
Events in Piedmont Triad
As excited as you may be to get your new garden underway, chances are good you'll want to do more than sit and watch the plants grow. Fortunately, Piedmont Triad solves that problem by providing a wide range of events that residents and visitors alike enjoy.
Still the Days
If you like good music, you'll appreciate this popular music festival. The event takes place at a local brewery called Gibb's Hundred. Naturally, the prime location means that you can also enjoy a fresh local beer while listening to live music. This festival features multiple stages with assorted genres.
Afternoon Tasting Tour
If you enjoy good food, the Afternoon Tasting Tour is worth checking out. This festival takes place in August. During the afternoon, you'll walk through some of the most charming and historic parts of the city. Along the way, the tour makes stops at several of the city's top restaurants. The walking tour also combines a historical overview of the region as well.
Gardening in North Carolina gives you plenty of options for creating a picturesque property. From annuals to perennials, many native plants add color and visual appeal to your yard. If you need help getting started, reach out to Lawn Love for lawn care. Contact us today!
