May 2020
April Showers Bring May Native Flowers!
What is Considered Native?
A plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. Only plants found in this country before European settlement are considered to be native to the United States.
Native plants are a beautiful addition to every yard which, not only have an aesthetic appeal but also greatly benefit the environment!
Here are some benefits in using native plants in your landscape!
Low Maintenance: Native plants are typically more resistant to disease, drought and other environmental risks than other plants. They can spread quickly to crowd out any weeds, which means less maintenance and upkeep for you. Many native plants grow in such a fashion that protects the soil from being flooded with water. This means landscaping with native plants will keep the soil rich and allow these plants to flourish in the environment.
Save Money and Water: Since native plants are accustomed to their habitat, they are able to hold water better than non-native plants, which will save you significant amounts of water. Native plants can adapt to the typical amount of precipitation an area receives. Preserving water will lead to lower water expenses and increased savings.
Better Resistance to Local Weather: Native plants also tend to withstand the environment better than non-native plants. This allows them to withstand harsh weather and grow back the following year. Every year the plant grows back is another year you do not have to purchase a new plant to replace those that did not survive!
Natural Habitats: By landscaping with native plants in your yard, you are contributing to a natural habitat for the animals that reside in the area. Native plants typically produce, fruit, nectar, nuts, and seeds, which provide a natural source of food for many birds and animals within the area.
Common Buckeye Butterfly
Rarely Invasive: Most native plants are not invasive and will allow all other plants in your garden or yard to grow freely. Plants that are invasive will only make landscaping more difficult. Invasive plants will control the growth of all other plants in the area.
No Fertilizer or Pesticide Needed: Because they are adapted to the specific climate of the region, native plants can defend themselves against indigenous insects, fungi, and disease. So instead of spraying the plants with artificial pesticides, they have a natural built-in defense system to protect themselves.
Our in-house native plant expert, Jessica Taylor, offered some insight into her favorite natives to incorporate into landscape designs!
Jessica’s native garden at home!
Favorite Native Shrubs:
Bushy St. Johns Wort
Incrediball Hydrangea
Bottlebrush Buckeye
Favorite Native Trees:
Serviceberry – pretty white flowers, edible fruit and gorgeous fall color
Paw-Paw – plant a patch if you have a moist shady spot, also has edible fruit
All Oaks!
They support 100’s of caterpillar species that feed baby birds, where exotic trees (such as crepe myrtle) support hardly any.
Scarlet Oak Tree
Native Flowers
Golden Ragwort
Tennessee Coneflower – Blooms for weeks
Smooth Aster ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ – Late fall blooming
Where can you get natives?
Tennessee Naturescapes:
2131 Oliver Springs Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716
(865) 730-3122
Overhill Gardens:
1404 Citico Rd, Vonore, TN 37885
(423) 295-2288
Great Online Resource:
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