Landscaping with Natives
Chrissy Regester Horticulture Educator UW-Extension, Cooperative Extension Walworth County Objectives
Native Plants for your landscape Deign Tools Principles of Landscape Design Where do native plants fit? Compatible Landscape Ecology Definitions com·pat·i·ble adjective 1. capable of existing or living together in harmony: 2. able to exist together with something else 3. consistent; congruous e·col·o·gy noun 1. The science of the relationships between organisms and their environments: 2. The relationship between organisms and their environment.
Goal: Creating a landscape compatible with you and/or your family needs and the environment around you. “Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher 'standard of living' is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free. For us of the minority, the opportunity to see geese is more important that television.” ― Aldo Leopold Wisconsin’s Native Plants
Native plants for Full Shade
My favorite! Bottlebrush
Elymus hystrix Zone 3
Landscape use: This native perennial grass is 2½–5' tall and little branched. Site: Shade to partial sun, moist to slightly dry conditions Culture: carefree once established Companion plants: Trout lilies, hostas, bloodroot Woodbine, Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Zone 2
Landscape use: This vine is too aggressive for many landscape situations but is good for covering in less formal situations. Showy fall color. Birds eat the fruits
Site: Almost any soil in sun to shade Culture: Fast-growing. No support needed. Wild Grape Vitis riparia Zone 2
Landscape use: Wild grape is one of the most attractive native vines. It can be used for screening or covering a large, sturdy pergola. It needs a substantial structure to support the woody stems. Fruit liked by wildlife
Site: Grows well in most soils in full sun to light shade. Fruiting is best in full sun. Culture: Provide a strong support for the woody stems. Keep stems thinned out to prevent mildew. Wild Ginger Asarum canadense Zone 3
Landscape use: Wild ginger is an excellent groundcover in shady areas. It forms an extensive carpet that is good for hiding empty spots left by spring ephemerals. Site: Moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade Culture: Drought tolerant and carefree once established Companion plants: ferns, foamflower, Jacob’s ladder, bleeding heart Dutchman’s breeches
Dicentra cucullaria Zone 3
Landscape use: Use this dainty ephemeral in woodland or shade gardens. Site: Needs sun and moist soil to bloom. Can grow in shade and dry soil once dormant. Culture: May need to cover dormant plants to protect from rodents Companion plants: Pachysandra, ferns, wild ginger Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Zone 3
Landscape use: Jack-in-the-pulpit has an almost tropical look to it and catches the eye of many visitors. Use it in shady woodland gardens or mixed borders. The hooded spadix is interesting and intriguing to children. It will grow in heavily shaded, poorly drained soils. Site: Moist, rich soil in moderate to full shade Culture: Easy-to-grow Companion plants: Wild geranium, blue phlox, may apple, Canada columbine, maidenhair fern Giant Solomon’s Seal
Polygonatum biflorum Zone 3
Landscape use: The graceful, arching stems of giant Solomon’s seal bring a strong architectural element to gardens. Accent plant. Birds eat the berries. Site: Moist, high-humus soil in partial sun to deep shade Culture: Grows slowly. Non-invasive. Companion plants: Ostrich fern, wild ginger, May apple, false Solomon’s seal False Solomon’s Seal
Smilacina racemosa Zone 2
Landscape use: Accent plant or groundcover. Site: Moist, high-humus soil in partial sun to deep shade Culture: Grows by rhizomes. Grows 2-3 feet tall with 5-7 inch leaves that clasp the stem. Flowers develop at the end of the arching stem. Companion plants: Ostrich fern, wild ginger, May apple, hosta’s, Ligularia.
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' Ferns
Adiantum pedatum Maidenhair Fern (zone 3) Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern (zone 2) Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern (zone 3) Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum Lady Fern (zone 4) Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis Zone 3 Ferns Landscape use: Commonly used in shade or woodland gardens as a spring bloomer. The leaves remain through most of the summer as a medium textured plant. Site: Moist, high-humus soil in partial sun to deep shade Culture: Plants may go dormant or you may see yellowing leaves during dry periods. Companion plants: Ostrich fern, wild ginger, May apple, hosta’s, Ligularia. Plants mentioned as companion plant but without further detail Wisconsin’s Native Plants
Native plants for Partial Shade Balsam Fir Abies balsamea Zone 2
Landscape use: Balsam fir is especially attractive as a young tree, which is good because it is one of the slower growing evergreens. It tends to be a little sparse-looking as it ages, especially when you compare it to a spruce. Site: Cool, damp places; moisture-retentive, acidic soils; partial shade to sun Culture: Mulch and water as needed. Rarely need pruning. White Cedar, arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis Zone 2
Landscape use: The large size of the species limits its use to screening and windbreaks. The cultivars are good choices for hedging, specimen plants, and foundation plantings. All provide excellent shelter for birds. Site: Moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade Culture: Easy to grow in moisture-retentive soil. Slow- growing, long-lived. Prune just after new growth has emerged. Deer are a problem. Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis Zone 3
Landscape use: Eastern hemlock is a long-lived, fine-textured evergreen. Use it as a specimen or in odd-numbered groupings. It can be used as a hedge or as a background or screening plant. Site: Partial shade in cool, moist, well-drained, acidic soil Culture: Sensitive to environmental extremes. Pruning is not necessary, but trees are amendable to late-spring pruning. Shade tolerant. Smooth Juneberry, Alleghany Serviceberry Amelanchier laevis Zone 3
Landscape use: Use this shade- tolerant shrub as an understory plant in deciduous woodland plantings, shade gardens, and shrub borders. The fruits can also be used for jams, jellies, pies, and wine – if you can keep them from the birds. Site: Partial shade to sun in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil high in organic matter Culture: Easily transplanted and adaptable to culture. Pagoda dogwood Cornus alternifolia Zone 3
Landscape use: Pagoda dogwood is an excellent landscape plant. It can be grown as a large multi- stemmed tree or easily pruned to an attractive specimen tree. Site: Cool, moist, slightly acidic soils in partial shade Culture: Keep plants well watered and pruned. Viburnums Viburnum species Zones 2-4
Landscape use: Use viburnums in shrub borders, as specimen plants, in foundation plantings, and for screening. Some species, such as the tribolum (high-bush cranberry), grow edible fruits that can be used for preserves and are attractive to birds. Site: Fertile, slightly acidic, well- drained soil in full sun to partial shade Culture: Readily adapt to landscape situations. Do not require a lot of pruning. Ironwood Ostrya virginiana Zone 4; southern part of Zone 3
Landscape use: This tough tree is well suited to smaller city landscapes and tight spaces where most shade trees would grow too large. Use it as an understory tree in woodland gardens, where the slow growth is advantageous. Ironwood is not tolerant of salt or compacted soil, so it’s not a good street tree. Site: Cool, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Tolerates full sun, partial shade and heavy shade. Culture: Slow to establish. Prune in winter. Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum Zone 3
Landscape use: Wild geranium is easily adapted to culture. Plant it in drifts in woodland gardens. In perennial borders, it can grow in partial sun. Site: Moist, rich soil in partial sun to light shade Culture: Easy to grow and transplant Companion plants: Golden alexanders, blue phlox, Canada columbine, ferns Jacob's Ladder Polemonium reptans Zone 3
Landscape use: This native perennial plant is 1–1½' tall, branching occasionally. Plant it in drifts in woodland gardens. In perennial borders, it can grow in partial sun. Site: Moist, rich soil in partial sun to light shade Culture: Easy to grow and transplant Companion plants: hostas, ferns, wild ginger
Polemonium caeruleum 'Brise D'Anjou' Virgin’s Bower Clematis virginiana Zone 3
Landscape use: Virgin’s bower is one of the best native vines for landscape use. Fast growing Winter interest
Site: Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to light shade Culture: Climbs around a support. Without support, it will become groundcover. Foamflower Tiarella cordifola Zone 3
Landscape use: Foamflower is an attractive, shade-loving groundcover that will eventually form a weed smothering mat of foliage. Site: Evenly moist, rich, slightly acidic soil in partial to full shade. Culture: May need supplemental water. Spreads aggressively. Companion plants: Columbines, wild geraniums, hostas Round-lobed Hepatica
Hepatica americana Zone 3
Landscape use: Plant hepaticas where you can enjoy their early bloom. Site: Moist, humus-rich soil in light to full shade Culture: Non-invasive. Keep away from large, aggressive species. Companion plants: Wild ginger, bloodroot, trilliums, rue anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauty Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis Zone 3
Landscape use: The short-lived but showy pure-white flowers of bloodroot really say spring has arrived. It makes a great groundcover in shade or woodland gardens, because the leaves remain through most of summer and are ornamental in themselves. Tuck small groups here and there in shady borders. Site: Moist, humus-rich soil with direct sunlight Culture: Mulch with a thin layer of pine needles or shredded leaves. Companion plants: False rue anemone, bellworts, spreading Jacob’s ladder, Virginia bluebells, lady fern, spring bulbs, pulmonarias Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum Zone 3
Landscape use: Wild geranium is easily adapted to culture. Plant it in drifts in woodland gardens. In perennial borders, it can grow in partial sun. Site: Moist, rich soil in partial sun to light shade Culture: Easy to grow and transplant Companion plants: Golden alexanders, blue phlox, Canada columbine, ferns Wisconsin’s Native Plants
Native plants for Sun Bush Juniper Juniperus communis Zone 2
Landscape use: Junipers are among the best evergreen shrubs available for northern landscapes. Site: Neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun Culture: Water well to reduce chances of winter burn. Prune regularly. White Spruce Picea glauca Zone 2 Landscape use Their large size restricts their use, but they can be used for screening, windbreak and shelterbelt plantings, and background plantings. Dwarf and compact forms can be used in rock gardens or as specimens and accents in the landscape. Site: Well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun Culture: Do poorly in overly wet and drought conditions. Require little or no pruning. Picea glauca ' Pendula'
Picea glauca 'Hobbit' White Pine Pinus strobus Zone 3
Landscape use: Bring whispering sound to landscape. They can be used as specimens on large landscapes, but are usually used for screening and windbreaks. They don’t adapt well to urban conditions. Site: Fertile, acidic, well-drained soils in full sun Culture: Pruning is not recommended. Landscape trees are usually not bothered by insect and disease problems. New Varieties Available! White Pine varieties
Pinus stobus ‘Blue Shag’
Pinus stobus ‘Angel Falls’ New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus Zone 4; trial in Zone 3
Landscape use: A durable small shrub once established, New Jersey tea can be used in mixed shrub borders and foundation plantings. It makes a beautiful small hedge when planted 1 to 2 feet apart. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and birds eat the seeds. It is a good cut or dried flower. Site: Well-drained sandy soil in sun or partial shade Culture: Easy to move young plants. Occasionally hard prune in late winter. Winterberry Ilex verticillata Zone 3; trial in Zone 2
Landscape use: From late fall through winter, winterberry steps into the spotlight by producing an outstanding display of bright red berries that persist on the branches even after the leaves have fallen. Site: Full sun; acidic, organically enriched, moist to wet soils Culture: Berries are only produced on female plants. Little pruning is needed. Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Zone 2 ‘Diablo’ Landscape use: Use ninebark and its cultivars in hedges, foundation plantings, and shrub borders. The foliage adds interest without becoming sickly looking like some other yellow-leaved plants. The species is good for screening and providing wildlife shelter. The flowers and foliage can be used in cut arrangements. Site: Full sun. Well-drained soil. Culture: Apply organic fertilizer in spring. Prune after flowering.
‘Dart’s Gold’ Shrubby Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa Zone 2
Landscape use: This long- blooming, tough shrub is adaptable to landscape use, and in some cases it has been overused. Plant it in groups of three to five in foundation plantings or in shrub borders, or use a single plant in the mixed border or rock garden. Site: Full sun to light shade. Prefers moist and well drained soil. Culture: Can tolerate dry periods once established. Requires regular light pruning in early spring. Hop Tree Ptelea trifoliata Zone 4
Landscape use: Hop tree is a great understory tree in woodland gardens. It can be used for naturalizing, massing, or in small groups. With regular pruning of suckers, it can be used in a mixed border or as a specimen tree. The ornamental fruits persist into winter and are enjoyed by wildlife. Site: Well-drained soil in sun or shade Culture: Suckers will need to be pruned out. Avoid over pruning branches. Maples Acer species Zones 3-5
Landscape use: Varies by species. All maples have shallow roots and produce deep shade that can make it difficult to grow grass under them. Site: Varies by species. Culture: Avoid pruning in late winter when the sap on some species begins to flow. River Birch Betula nigra Zone 4; trial in Zone 3
Landscape use: River birch offers landscape interest year round thanks to its unique peeling bark. It is one of the few large trees that can be grown as a clump. Use it as a shade or specimen tree. Site: Moist to wet soil in full sun. Needs a soil pH below 6.5. Culture: Prune in summer to avoid bleeding. Blue Beech Carpinus caroliniana Zone 3
Landscape use: Plant blue beech where you can enjoy the attractive blue-gray bark in winter. It is good in naturalized plantings and as an understory tree or shrub in woodland gardens. Site: Moist, fertile, slightly acidic soil in partial shade or sun Culture: Difficult to transplant. Prune selectively to form a single trunk. Hackberry Celtis occidentalis Zone 3
Landscape use: Its adaptability to a wide range of conditions makes hackberry a good tree for shade, windbreaks, street use, and shelterbelts. It should be considered as a replacement for the American elm. Hackberry is among the best food and shelter trees for wildlife. Site: Moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade Culture: Transplants easily. May take up to two years to really start growing after planting. Drought tolerant. Kentucky Coffee Tree
Gymnocladus dioica Zone 4; trial in Zone 3
Landscape use: Kentucky coffee tree is an excellent shade and street tree that deserves to be planted more. The leaves cast very light shade (also known as filtered shade or dappled shade) that permits shade-tolerant turf grasses and partial-shade perennials to grow underneath. It is tolerant of city conditions. Leaves appear late in spring and drop soon after first fall frost, so place it where you want sunlight in spring and fall. Site: Moist, rich soil in full sun Culture: Difficult to transplant. Moderate to slow grower. Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica Zone 5; protected sites in Zone 4
Landscape use: Black gum is a good choice for wet sites or naturalistic plantings. It also makes a nice specimen tree in light shade in a lawn. Set off the fall color with a dark background. It is not a good choice for a street tree, since it is intolerant of pollution. The flowers are attractive to bees, and the fruits are eaten by wildlife. Site: Moist, slightly acidic conditions in full sun to partial shade Culture: Plant smaller trees in spring for best results. Cankers may develop; remove infected branches. Keep pruning to a minimum. Oaks Quercus species Zones 3-4
Landscape use: A well-grown oak is an asset in any landscape, usually greatly increasing property value. Their stately presence is felt year-round. The leaves offer summer shade, fall color, and often persist into winter for added interest. Site: Fertile, acidic, heavy soil in full sun Culture: Difficult to transplant. Seedlings are fast-growing. Basswood Tilia americana Zone 3; protected spots in Zone 2
Landscape use: Basswood is a trouble-free, hardy tree that makes a good specimen or shade tree if you have room for its large size. It casts deep shade that is difficult to grow other plants under. It’s not tolerant of soil compaction or air pollution, so it’s not well suited to street-tree use. Site: Full sun to partial shade in moist, fertile well-drained soils Culture: Easily transplanted in early spring. Moderately fast- growing and long-lived. Prune out sprouts at base of tree. American Bittersweet
Celastrus scandens Zone 3
Landscape use: Mainly grown for its showy fall fruits, but it can be used as a screen in difficult sites. Songbirds eat the fruits.
Site: Prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade.
Culture: Male and female forms must be planted to ensure fruit production. Needs a strong trellis or fence to support growth. Prairie Shooting Star Dodecatheon meadia var. meadia Zone 4
Landscape use: Prairie shooting star has somewhat of a split personality, being both a prairie and a woodland flower. A spring bloomer, it’s at its best while most other prairie flowers are just appearing. Showcase this interesting plant along walkways, in rock gardens, or in perennial borders. It can also be grown in partial-shade areas in woodland or shade gardens. Plant it in groups of at least three, and do not crowd it with other species. Site: Good soil, sun or light shade Culture: Ideal soil pH is 6 to 7. Needs moisture while blooming Companion plants: Canada columbine, hostas, ferns, spiderwort, wild geranium Eastern Prickly Pear Opuntia humifusa Zone 4
Landscape use: Its alien look and cultural conditions limit how prickly pear can be used in landscapes, but it is great in rock gardens, stone walls, and xeriscapes. Site: Well-drained, sandy soil in full sun Culture: Difficult to weed and cultivate around. Companion plants: Beardtongues, wild onions, harebell, purple prairie clover, rattlesnake master, flowering spurge Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa Zone 3
Landscape use: It is particularly striking when planted with complementary-colored blue and purple flowers. Plant it in perennial gardens, mixed borders, or prairie gardens. Site: Moist or dry soils in full sun or light shade Culture: Difficult to move. May rot in overly rich or damp soil. Companion plants: Purple salvias, white Shasta daisies, yellow daylilies, blazing stars, silky aster, leadplant, purple prairie clover, wild bergamot
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae Zone 3
Landscape use: This fall- bloomer brings purple shades to fall gardens. Use it in mixed borders, prairies, and even large rock gardens. It attracts butterflies and bees. Site: Moist, average soil in full sun to partial shade Culture: Like consistent soil moisture. May become top heavy. Companion plants: Goldenrods, grasses, obedient plant, bottle gentian, showy tick trefoil, swamp milk weed White Wild Indigo Baptisia alba var. macrophylla Zone 4
Landscape use: White wild indigo adapts well to cultivation. Use it in prairie gardens or in the middle to back of mixed borders, where the blue-green foliage provides a nice backdrop for smaller perennials. It forms a large clump, so leave plenty of space around it. Site: Well-drained soil in full sun or light shade Culture: Difficult to transplant. Allow space for growth. Drought tolerant. Companion plants: Yarrows, asters, phloxes, geraniums, purple coneflowers, prairie phlox, butterfly weed, prairie clovers, grasses Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida Zone 3
Landscape use: E. pallida is not quite as showy as its more popular cousin, E. purpurea, which is native farther south and east. The flowers are attractive to butterflies, and goldfinches enjoy the seeds, which remain on plants and are attractive into winter. Site: Average to rich soil in full sun or light shade Culture: Divide sparingly. Drought tolerant once established. Companion plants: Black-eyed Susan, wild bergamot, bird’s-foot coreopsis, compass plant, blazing stars, butterfly weed, delphiniums Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium Zone 4
Landscape use: Rattlesnake master works well in sunny borders or in prairie gardens. The distinctive yucca-like leaves add interest when plants are not in flower. It can be used in a formal setting as an accent plant. Rough texture Site: Average to rich, moist but well- drained soil in full sun Culture: Set young plants in their permanent locations. Young leaves may need protection from rabbits and deer. Companion plants: blazing stars, Culver’s root, Michigan lily, black-eyed Susan, coneflowers, goldenrods, asters, grasses. Mixed well with fine textured plants.
Sweet Joe-pye Weed
Eupatorium purpureum Zone 3
Landscape use: Use Sweet Joe-pye weed in prairie gardens, perennial beds, and mixed borders. It thrives at the edges of water gardens or in bog gardens. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers. Site: Moist, average to rich soil in full sun or light shade Culture: Easy to grow once established Companion plants: coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, daisies, asters, wild bergamot, goldenrods, grasses Cup Plant
Silphium perfoliatum Zone 4
Landscape use: Use in the sunny border or in prairie gardens. It attracts butterflies and goldfinches and other birds eat drink the water. Site: Well-drained to wet soil in full sun Culture: Divide plants every 3 to 4 years to control invasiveness Companion plants: monarda, white wild indigo, garden lilies, asters, grasses Marsh Blazing Star
Liatris spicata Zone 3
Landscape use: Marsh blazing star is a great plant for perennial borders and prairie gardens. Bees, hummingbirds, and monarchs and other butterflies gather on the flowers all summer, and birds eat the seeds. All blazing stars are good cut flowers, and they hold their color well when dried. Site: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun Culture: Somewhat drought resistant when established. Companion plants: Culver’s root, rattlesnake master, coneflowers, monarda, goldenrods, milkweeds
Michigan Lily Lilium michiganense Zone 4
Landscape use: Can be used in low areas in perennial borders or along ponds and streams. Site: Wet, rich soil in full sun to light shade Culture: Plant in deep, rich soil. Surround bulbs with gravel or cages to deter rodents. Companion plants: Turtlehead, Joe-pye weeds, grey- headed coneflower Cardinal Flower Lobelia cardinalis Zone 3
Landscape use: Cardinal flower is one of the few native plants with true red flowers. Plant cardinal flower in groups of five to seven in a moist area of perennial borders or woodland gardens. A dark background will set off the flowers nicely. The showy tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Site: Moist to wet, average soil in partial sun Culture: Adapts well to gardens as long as the soil is kept moist Companion plants: Blue flags, astilbes, turtleheads, ligularias Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa Zone 3
Landscape use: Wild bergamot is a beautiful summer-blooming perennial that adapts well to landscape use. It can be used in prairie plantings and in the middle to back of perennial borders. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Site: Average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade Culture: Keep soil well-drained. Tend to die out in middle. Companion plants: Black-eyed Susan, blazing stars, butterfly flower, garden phlox, yarrows, perennial geraniums, ornamental grasses Gray-headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata Zone 3
Landscape use: It adapts well to perennial borders and weaves nicely through prairie gardens. The flowers bloom a long time, attracting butterflies and bees, and are good for cutting. Once established, it is drought tolerant and can be used in xeriscapes. Site: Average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade Culture: Easy to grow, reseeds Companion plants: Blazing stars, butterfly weed, purple prairie clover, wild bergamot, prairie grasses, purple coneflower Coneflower
Rudbeckia hirta Zone 3
Landscape use: The soft yellow color of gray-headed coneflower is a welcome and relaxing contrast to other hot-colored summer flowers. It adapts well to perennial borders and weaves nicely through prairie gardens. The flowers bloom a long time, attracting butterflies and bees, and are good for cutting. Once established, it is drought tolerant and can be used in xeriscapes. Site: Average to rich, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade Culture: Easy to grow Companion plants: Blazing stars, blanket flower, butterfly weed, purple prairie clover, wild bergamot, blue, culver’s root, prairie grasses Wild Senna Senna hebecarpa Zone 3
Landscape use: a strong vertical presence in the landscape. Use it at the back of a large perennial borders or as a transition plant at the edge of a woodland. The fruits are attractive to wildlife. Site: Moist to moderately dry soil in sun to partial shade. Can tolerate clay soils Culture: Difficult to move once established. Mulch to keep moist. Companion plants: Blue phlox, columbine, blue flag, grasses Hoary Vervain Verbena stricta Zone 3
Landscape use: Hoary vervain should be a part of any prairie garden. It also makes a good cut flower. Site: Full sun Culture: Adapts well to garden use Companion plants: Rudbeckia, Wild bergamot, coneflowers, grasses Culver’s Root Veronicastrum virginicum Zone 3
Landscape use: This durable plant can be used in the middle or back of a perennial bed, where it offers a strong upright accent. It tolerates wet soil well. The flowers are good for cutting. Bees Site: Wet, rich soil in full sun to light shade Culture: Keep soil rich and moist Companion plants: Blazing stars, lilies, monardas, milkweeds, rattlesnake master, goldenrods, asters Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii Zone 3
Landscape use: Although attractive, big bluestem gets too large for many landscape situations. Use single plants in prairie gardens or large mixed borders. It is great for massing in naturalistic plantings, where birds can enjoy the seeds. Site: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade Culture: Easy to grow. Mow or cut back in spring. Companion plants: Asters, goldenrods, Joe-pye weeds, Indian grass, butterfly weed, milkweeds, coneflowers, blazing stars Side-oats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula Zone 3
Landscape use: This grass is often overlooked for a specimen, but the unique flowers serve as a striking focal point in prairie gardens or sunny rock gardens. Birds eat the seeds in winter. Site: Average to dry, well-drained soil in full sun Culture: Mow or cut back in spring. Companion plants: Dry-soil prairie plants or massed as a groundcover Switch Grass Panicum virgatum Zone 4
Landscape use: Switch grass is one of the best native grasses for landscape use. It can be used in mixed borders, as a screen, or in natural gardens. The open flower panicles look best when viewed against a dark background. The dense foliage stands up well in winter and provides excellent cover for wildlife. Site: Average garden soil in full sun Culture: Tolerable of poor conditions Companion plants: Asters, goldenrods, coneflowers Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Zone 3
Landscape use: Little bluestem is among the best native grasses for fall color, and its small size makes it easy to use in most landscapes. Plant it in mixed borders and prairie gardens, along walkways, and in foundation plantings. Site: Prefers well-drained sand or loam in full sun, but will grow in rocky soils and partial shade. Culture: Will not do well on heavy soils that hold moisture. Companion plants: Chrysanthemums, coneflowers, monardas, blazing stars, asters, Indian grass Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans Zone 4
Landscape use: The silky soft, golden seed heads of Indian grass impart a special beauty and drama to prairie gardens in autumn and it makes a powerful late-season statement in mixed borders. Finches and sparrows feed on seeds all winter. Site: Slightly moist to well-drained soil in full sun Culture: Drought tolerable. Companion plants: Little bluestem, asters, rudbeckia, wild bergamot, Joe- pye weeds Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepis Zone 3
Landscape use: This graceful, well- behaved grass will add a touch of elegance to any planting. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart for distinctive borders. A mass planting is a beautiful sight in late summer. The seeds are an important food source for birds in fall and winter. Site: Well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels and full sun Culture: Slow to grow from seeds. Cut back in early spring Companion plants: Butterfly weed, coreopsis, asters, coneflowers, blazing stars Native Plant Sources
Where to buy native plants Buy local Do not dig from the wild Why landscape?
How the plants you choose will effect your overall plan?
Where do natives fit into this? 1) Table / Drawing Board 2) Paper: 1/4 inch graph Tools paper (8 1/2 x 11) or equivalent #2 pencil or Needed mechanical pencil 3) Eraser 4) Straight-edge (a ruler or drafting triangle works well) 5) Tracing paper 6) Circle Template 7) Measure wheel or long tape measure Drawing Board & Paper Pencils & Erasers Wood-encased and lead holders Lead weights: 9H(very hard) – 6B (very soft) HB = Medium weight Drawing leads require a long tapered point Clean lead after sharpening Have a good eraser Ruler or Drafting Triangle
Architect Ruler T-Square Design template General Considerations
House Plan: A relationship between home and landscape = views from inside house Neighborhood: Should blend with neighborhood, but not necessary Orientation to house: Provide shade Natural Resource: Water, Soil, Air, Wildlife Existing Landscape Survey: Is it worth saving? Energy Consideration Installation plan Site Analysis vs. Needs Analysis
What is the landscape telling me? What type of soil do I have? It is sun or shade?
What are my needs? What do I like? What do I dislike? Questions to consider
Ages, hobbies, interests, pets, how the landscape will be used Moods Interim or permanent home? Circulation Patio and decks? Personal plant preferences? Water features? Parking areas? Service areas? Other activity areas? Children's play area? Specialty gardens? Budget and Time
Time Prioritize How much time do you have to get the project done? DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Budget Total Budget Plant Material Installation Hiring Professional? Hardscapes Tools Steps in Design Noise concerns Shade Personal Benefits Privacy Reduce wind Reduce odor Pollution control Conservation Benefits Erosion control Slope stabilization Temperature Fire protection Economic Benefits
Increase property value and home salability
Data from research conducted from 1996-97 in Greenville, S.C., showed that home price premiums increased: 6% to 7% for home landscapes that were upgraded from good to excellent and 4% to 5% for an upgrade from average to good (Henry, 2000). By combining the data, the value added by a landscape upgrade from average to excellent increases a home value by 10% to 12%.
Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Henry, M.S. 1999. Landscape quality and the price of a single family houses: further evidence from home sales in Greenville, South Carolina. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 17:25-30. Aesthetic Benefits Attractive Landscapes Make People Feel Better Designing Landscapes
Steps in Design: Get to know your landscape Develop a base plan 1. Determine Property Boundaries 2. Take measurements 3. Draw house & permanent structures 1. Overhead power lines 4. Draw in trees and other permanent landscapes, include canopy of trees on adjoining properties House
How to take measurements Driveway Steps in Design Conduct a site analysis Get to know your property! Steps in Design
Assess Family Needs and Desires Locate activity areas
View the progression: Principles of Design
Unity Tying the landscape together into an orderly design - using mass planting and repetition Balance Balance the visual weight of plants Transition Gradual change in a logical, sequential order –3 D Proportion Size of parts of the design in relation to each other and to the design as a whole Focalization The leading of one’s visual observation toward a feature Repetition The repeated use of features like plants with identical shape, line, form, texture, color Simplicity Elimination of unnecessary detail – reduction of a design to its simplest, functional form Unity: Repetition
Prevent monotony; variety is used to ‘control’ repetition Created with repetition of form, texture, colors, or specific plant species
o Unity: Variety
Varying forms, textures and shapes to prevent boredom Focal Point
What is the focal point? Drawing attention to important features of landscape Can draw attention to front door of residence by using plants that offer variety in color, texture or form near the door Focal Point Balance & Scale
Symmetrical balance = elements on either side of an axis are identical (formal feel) Asymmetrical balance = unlike elements of equal visual weight on each side of an axis (less formal) Coarse textures are visually heavier than fine textures (more fine-textured plants needed to balance coarse- textured plants) achieved by balancing forms of unequal size (e.g. 1 tree balanced by 3 shrubs) Color adds visual weight; brightly colored plant may need to be balanced with several plants of equal size but not brightly colored Balance & Scale
Asymmetrical vs. Symmetrical Sequence
Move viewer’s eyes over landscape in orderly fashion Achieved by gradual progression of form, texture or color Any plant that breaks gradual progression becomes a point of emphasis Balance & Scale
Relative scale or proportion of landscape affects viewer’s mood Most landscapes should be proportional to human height or height of structure Balance & Scale Balance & Scale Elements of Art Color Line Form Texture: Fine vs. coarse
Sea holly with Asiatic Lily ‘Monte Negro’
Landscapes that follow the rules What is the first thing you see?
Informal Design DIY Installation Sequence
1. Layout Hardscapes 2. Install Hardscapes 3. Layout Landscape Beds – spray paint, hose, rope 4. Kill the grass or amend soil 5. Plant large plants (plant properly!!) 6. Edge 7. Layout smaller plants 8. Plant smaller plants 9. Mulch 10. Water 11. Maintenance Why do we use native plants?
Greater connection with nature Adaptable & Tolerant Low maintenance (sometimes) Soil Quality Issues Wildlife invitation Birds = seeds, shelter Butterflies = colors Deer Seed collection Water quality issues Hardiness Lets look at a couple landscapes that include native plants of Wisconsin
princetonscapes.com
Questions?
“Conservation is getting nowhere because it is incompatible with our Abrahamic concept of land. We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” ― Aldo Leopold