Native N.A. Plants in Landscape Designs

Leucothoe axillaris - Spring Foliage
Coastal Leucothoe

Hydrangea quercifolia - Emerging Leaves
Goosefoot / Oakleaf Hydrangea

Cercis canadensis - Pine Background
Eastern RedBud

It is possible for gardeners in eastern N.A. to successfully plant and grow ornamental plants despite heavy populations of Virginia white-tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

Most of the deer-resistant shrubs and small trees that are useful in built landscapes are native to eastern N.A. Fortunately for gardeners these choices are easy-to-maintain and perfect choices for informal or natural appearing landscapes.

There is also a wide choice among deer-resistant spring-flowering bulbs and herbaceous plants. Some of these are native, while others are Asian or Mediterranean.

Plant lists presented in some of the articles below are derived from my own experiences and those of trusted horticultural professionals.

Caution: No plant is deer-proof! Hungry deer will browse and even destroy deer-resistant plantings when weather is severe or food sources are meager.

• Deer-resistant Flowering Shrubs: Native North American Ornamental Shrubs of Landscape Importance

Appetites of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) include ornamental landscape plants. Choosing native deer-resistant shrubs equals landscape success.

• Eastern Redbud Trees in Landscapes: Cercis Canadensis Enrich Garden Landscapes in Spring and Autumn

Eastern redbud trees and cultivars enrich landscape gardens with varieties of form, silhouettes and unusual seasonal color. Site selection is essential for good display.

Spring Arrives in Eastern N.A.

Cercis canadensis 'Alba' - Springfield, MA
©Georgene A. Bramlage, June 2007

Here is a list of some of my spring articles and blogs - some current, some from previous years. They include my favorite trees like redbuds and witch hazel, annuals like petunias, perennials like the new breed of echinacea (cone flower), and spring-flowering bulbs.

Crabapple Trees in the Landscape
Eighteen kinds of crabapples form the backdrop to a Memorial Garden in a western MA orchard. Autumn crabapple display begins with warm sunny days and cold nights.

Eastern Redbud Trees in Landscapes
Eastern redbud trees and cultivars enrich landscape gardens with varieties of form, silhouettes and unusual seasonal color. Site selection is essential for good display.

Hamamelis: Best Landscape Sites
Choosing optimal site and microclimate for Hamamelis (witch hazel) planting locations facilitates growth and generates best spring and autumn performance.

Wave® Petunias in Built Landscapes: Growth Specifics, Care Requirement, and Garden Landscape Design Use

What are Wave® petunias? Wave® petunias solve garden landscape color and design needs. Growing and maintaining Wave® petunias is easy with no deadheading needed. Photos.

Wave® Petunias Design Solutions: Design and Complete One Weekend Projects

Wave® petunias provide inexpensive and eye-catching design solutions. Develop and complete a project in one weekend using these planning tips. Photos provided.

Wave® Petunia Landscape Designs: Garden Landscape Color and Design Solutions

Wave® petunias solve many garden landscape color and design problems. Plant them in containers or garden plots, alone or with other ornamental plants. Photos included.

Up-to-the-minute Echinacea Hybrids: Enhance Prairie Landscape and Meadow Garden Designs

Echinacea (coneflower) hybrids are up-to-the-minute plant breakthroughs. American plant breeders work to bring bright flower and plant color to landscape garden designs.

Echinacea Selections in Landscapes: New Cultivars Can Enhance Prairie and Meadow Gardens

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) selections and cultivars can enhance prairie and meadow gardens. These native N.A. plants tolerate some shade and moist soil.

Leap Day and Spring Flowers : February's End in Plant Growing Zone 7

Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) and Crocus Tomasianus, reminders of Sissignhurst Gardens and Vita Sackville-West, surprise us here in Zone 7 at the end of February.

Spring Arrives in Plant Zone 7: Snowdrops and Winter Jasmine

Early spring in Virginia (USA) arrives with the blooming of snow drops (Galanthus nivalis) and winter jasmine (Jasminium nudiflorum).

Mini Flowering Bulbs Proclaim Spring!

Early spring bulb displays are important features at many National Trust (UK) properties. Many have early openings, beginning in February, to show off displays of snowdrops, aconites, crocuses and daffodils. Observing these displays shows gardeners new species and cultivar to try in their own garden