Hey everyone! I'm situated right on the NC/SC border and I'm diving into my gardening adventure! I'm hoping to plant some native flowers that are super low maintenance and friendly for local wildlife, like pollinators and other critters.
My backyard is already quite natural, bordering a strip of woods, but the front yard is mostly just grass at the moment. There's a significant slope there that tends to flood, so I'm also thinking about creating a dry creek bed.
I'd love any advice on what plants to use, handy gardening tips, DIY landscaping ideas, and ways to save money while doing it! I'm also hoping to have it looking nice for my wedding next fall.
3 Answers
You’re in luck! Most native plants require very little maintenance. I’d recommend starting with Black-eyed and Brown-eyed Susans, sunflowers, and various types of bee balm. If you have shaded areas, try woodland phlox as well. Other good choices include serviceberry, sweet violets, and coneflowers. These will thrive and attract plenty of pollinators!
For specific native plant tips, check out your local state's native plant society or the extension office. They focus on keystone species, which are the best for supporting pollinators, so ensure you have blooms from spring through fall. And don’t forget to think about how to save money: try starting plants from seeds and look for species that spread easily! Native oaks are fantastic too, if you can incorporate one.
For a simple planting method, try covering your grass with cardboard, layer some wood chips, and then plant plugs this fall so they bloom by next year! Also, remember, starting small is the way to go. It’s easier to maintain and you can always expand later.
Great advice! Plus, choosing easy-to-mow shapes for your garden can really help with maintenance down the line. I totally get the struggle of making curves that are mower-friendly!
Absolutely! Plants like black-eyed Susans and yarrow are often easy to grow from seed. Some plants, like goldenrod, are major players for pollinators, too. Just make sure to confirm they’re native to your area using resources like BONAP!