Greenville gardening services
Gardening in Greenville, SC
If you've ever heard of the nicknames "The Palmetto State" and "The Iodine State," you might be surprised to learn that both titles refer to South Carolina. Palmetto logs were even used to create the walls of a fort on Sullivan Island, which protected the state from British cannonballs during the war. Today, South Carolina's native species of flora have a much more benign purpose than warding off military attacks. Like palmettos, several species are especially suited to the state's environment. Between the number of plants and flowers that grow well in South Carolina to the state's climate, which supports many species, it is easy to create an eye-catching garden.
Establishing a Garden in South Carolina
The "local" trend certainly applies to food, but it can easily apply to gardening, too. Nationwide, gardeners are turning to native plants to create a more sustainable landscape. Native plants are naturally a good choice, as they are suited to the area's specific growing conditions. From popular species to lesser-known varieties, here are some top plants and wildflowers for your Greenville garden.
- Indian Pink
- False Indigo
- Beautyberry
- Purple Coneflower
- Cardinal Flower
- Native Sunflower
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
Indian pink is a lovely wildflower native to woodland areas. This plant can reach mature heights of one to two feet. Its red flowers bloom in the summertime. They can reach up to two inches long. This plant is a perennial that grows in clumps. It enjoys the full sun for much of the day, but it also welcomes shade in the afternoon on hot days. The plant does best in moderate, well-drained soils.
False indigo is a perennial wildflower. Like Indian pink, it is indigenous to South Carolina. False indigo comes in numerous colors, including yellow, white, and blue. There are also hybrid strains on the market that combine several colors for a truly unique look. The flowers come from pea-like blooms that add visual interest to a garden throughout the year.
Beautyberry is a deciduous shrub. Its ideal growing conditions are part-sun, part-shade and well-drained, relatively moist soil. Beautyberry can be quite tall and reach a mature height of eight feet. These plants should have sufficient space between each other and other plants to enable proper growth, as they can also span eight feet in horizontal growth. Beautyberry plants produce berries that are a staple food for many birds. You won't need to put much effort into maintaining a Beautyberry shrub, but if you do decide to do some pruning, it's best to wait until later in the winter. This way you'll avoid accidentally trimming off berries or flowers.
Purple coneflower is more commonly known by the name of "Echinacea." There are ten species within the genus. Coneflower is an attractive plant with white, blue, or purple flowers and a prominent raised cone-shaped center. The flower is popular among humans for its medical uses. It is also a popular source of nectar for pollinators. Coneflower has its own defense mechanism built-in, which is a special chemical that it creates internally and releases to keep potentially invasive plants away.
Cardinal flower is native to Missouri, but it grows quite well in South Carolina. The plant is distinguishable for its brilliant red flowers that resemble the deep red color of a cardinal. The plant commonly grows in wet areas with more shade than sun. Cardinal flower tolerates high moisture levels well, but it doesn't do as well in drought conditions or full sun. This plant is a prime source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and many other pollinators. It is a perennial that blooms for several successive years.
Native sunflower is one of 70 species in the Sunflower family. It is native to South Carolina and therefore particularly well-suited for the climate. This species of sunflower grows to be about one to 1.5 feet tall. Sunflower is popular for its seeds, which are either consumed whole, made into butter or turned into flour. Sunflower oil, which is extracted from the plant, is used in many culinary applications.
Oakleaf hydrangea is a picturesque shrub that produces small white flowers. Unlike many plants that wither in the heat, this hydrangea thrives in hot conditions and bright sunlight. It is a plant that enjoys soil on the drier side, too. There are many types of hydrangea species, and many are acclimated to their specific environments. Other species are better designed for living in northern climates and enduring colder winter temperatures. Oakleaf hydrangea, however, is more drought-tolerant than many of its relatives.
Establishing a garden with native species means there are much less time and money to spend on garden upkeep. This means that you can spend your resources instead on exploring all that Greenville has to offer.
Places to go in Greenville
Fortunately, there are many great spots to check out when you have time off in Greenville. From outdoor recreational areas to trail networks, museums, and zoos, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo has a vast collection of animals within its borders. This includes reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. The animals are showcased in many different exhibits that replicate their natural living environments.
Falls Park on the Reedy
With tranquil waterfalls, gardens, and a suspension bridge, Falls Park provides visitors with a peaceful and relaxing environment. This park, which covers 32 acres, is near the West End district, which is in itself considered an essential part of the city. The park sits on land that was once occupied by textile mills.
Paris Mountain State Park
This state park was established in the mid-1930s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. The park covers more than 1,500 acres. It is also home to Lake Placid, which is a stunning 13-mile lake with swimming and recreational opportunities.
With so many native species to choose from, it's easy to get a garden started in Greenville. If you need ideas for planting or want help getting started, get in touch with Lawn Love, your local lawn care experts today.
