Rent the Carolina Garden House

Sit back and relax at this peaceful and centrally located house with an extensive garden to explore and enjoy!

The space

This single level 3-bedroom, 2 spa bath house is newly renovated.

The chef’s kitchen is fully equipped and ready for culinary adventures.

Complete with 2 full size refrigerators, a gas range, and a perfect party patio, plan a visit with a couple of friends for a garden inspired weekend!

Guest access

The entire home is yours to enjoy.

Other things to note

Complementary wine, beer, and snacks are included.

Sip and stroll garden tours and yard to table meals are available upon request as an Air BNB Experience. Let me know if you are interested in booking a unique moment during your stay.

The Carolina Garden House Native Landscape

We have embarked on an exciting new venture, purchasing the house next door to run as an Air BNB and to develop the property as a native garden to showcase local plants that support the ecosystem while providing a beautiful display that is also climate resilient. Like any garden, this is an on-going process and over time many plants will be added while others, if they misbehave or underperform will be removed/ transplanted. I hope this will inspire you to take on a new gardening project, big or small, and grow some new-to-you plants like I am!

Watch the entire process through the Brie the Plant Lady YouTube Channel

WHAT ARE WE PLANTING IN THE FRONT SHRUB BORDER?

PHASE 1: The first step to building any garden is to estblish the bed lines, remove the exisiting sod/ weeds, and improve the soil! That entire process is well explained in YouTube videos that can be found in the above playlist.

Once the sod was removed, about 1500 non-native Allium and Daffodils were planted in the border to help usher in spring. Daffodils, (Narcissus sp.) are actually native to southern Europe and Africa. I decided to make this exception because daffodils are one of the most reliable bulbs for the southeast, tolerating our extreme heat and overall climate. Alliums are native to North America making them an ideal choice for inclusion. Animals, like deer, rabbits, and voles steer clear from both allium and daffodils, making them the most practical bulbs to grow. The blooms also make the most wonderful flower arrangements, which is a motivation for me. In the end, this is a garden that should also bring pleasure to those who visit, including its caretaker, me! So, along the way I will be adding non-native plants when it seems appropriate.

The bulbs were purchased from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs the most amazing source for every bulb you could imagine!

BULB LIST:

Allium schubertii: A volleyball to beachball-sized, loose, spidery, rose/ purple flower filled with star shaped florets-each on stalks unequal in length. This is a late spring bloomer growing 12″-24″ tall and is hardy in zones 7-9.

Allium aflatunense ‘Purple Sensation’: With tons of tiny violet purple flowers tightly compressed to look like one gorgeous big, round, baseball-sized flower this grows on a 20″-30″ stem and is one of the earliest Alliums to bloom in late spring/early summer. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’: Historic 1938 daffodil with medium yellow flowers that have a long, fluted trumpet that flares at the end and has serrated edges. This perennializes and forces easily and grows to 18″-20″ tall, blooming in early to mid-spring.

Narcissus ‘Sunlight Sensation’: From the Brent and Becky’s “Sensation Series” this is a special hybrid with extremely heavy flowering with up to 3 stems per bulb and 2-4 florets per stem that can be seen for miles. The fruit-like fragrance and dark green narrow leaves make it a true standout! This was the first seedling from the Sensation Series and grows to 12″-16″ and blooms in mid spring.

Narcissus ‘Starlight Sensation’: A sister seedling to the other Sensation varieties this has creamy white flowers and a fruity fragrance with narrow, dark green leaves. 3-5 stems per bulb with 2-4 flowers per stem this is a great garden or show flower reaching 12″-16″ tall in mid spring.

Narcissus ‘Moonlight Sensation’: Another sister seedling to the other Sensation varieties this offers soft yellow coloration that catches the eye from a distance. With 3-5 stems per bulb and 2-3 flowers per stem this is a knock-out in the garden. The blooms have a beautiful fruitlike fragrance and grow to 12″-16″ tall in mid spring.

Narcissus ‘Mount Hood’: An old historic favorite dating back to 1938 that opens with a bit of yellow in the trumpet but matures to pure white. This often performs better in cooler climates, so we shall see how it does here. Recommended for zones 3-6.

Watch the bulb planting here

PHASE 2: The first installation of shrubs came from Carolina Native Nursery (black pots) and First Editions Trees and Shrubs (purple pots). The goal here is simple: grow an interesting collection of North American native (ideally southeastern native) woody and herbaceous plants to create a beautiful, functional, low maintenance screen from the street.

TREE & SHRUB LIST:

Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Fiber Optics’ (Buttonbush): A distinct improvement over the straight species Cephalanthus occidentalis that grows twice the size of this compact selection. Native from Florida to Mexico and north to Nova Scotia and Ontario, buttonbush is quite happy in moist conditions, tolerating flooding and wet spring soil. As such it is often used in wetland restoration work, along streams and pond banks. It’s also a great plant for low areas in the landscape that don’t dry out until late in the season. The spherical flowers are fragrant, creamy white, and many species of waterfowl eat the seed.

Clethera alnifolia (Sweet pepperbush): deciduous shrub in the Clethraceae family.  Grows 5 to 10 feet tall and often spreads into mounded clumps. It is native to eastern North America from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas. In the wild, it is often found in swamps, damp thickets, and sandy woods.

Fothergilla gardenia (Coastal witch-alder): A low maintenance deciduous shrub in the Hamamelidaceae family that is native to the coastal plains of the southern United States. It grows best in rich moist, slightly acidic, sandy loam soils in full sun to partial shade. While the flower display and fall color are often best in full sun the shrub overall does better with some afternoon shade.  It will tolerate wet soils and compaction yet is also drought tolerant. The shrub begins with a rounded habit growing 3 to 6 feet high by 2 to 6 feet wide. Over time if suckers are not removed it will colonize other areas of the landscape. 

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Jetstream’ (Oakleaf hydrangea): With a dense, compact, non-flopping habit this native shrub can grow in full sun to part shade. The lustrous dark green foliage is resistant to leaf spot and turns a fantastic orange-red in autumn. Flowers, held high on strong stems, are a beautiful white aging to pink. 

Ilex verticillata (Common Winterberry Holly): A slow-growing, woody, deciduous tree or shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family native to Eastern North America. It may grow 3 to15 feet tall and 3 to12 feet wide. Red berries mature in the fall, providing winter interest and food for birds and small mammals. Winterberry holly requires moist, acidic soil with good drainage in full sun. It tolerates heat, drought, and soil compaction. It may abort fruit set in dry soil. It is resistant to deer foraging, fire, and salt. To produce berries the plant must be properly cross-pollinated. Match blooming times with a male pollinator 'Southern Gentleman' by planting one male (per 10 to 20 females) within 50 feet of female plants.  

Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon Holly): This fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree is from the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family, native to the eastern US. It is primarily found in coastal NC in sandy woodlands, shorelines, and shrub thickets.  The genus name Ilex is in reference to the similarity of the evergreen leaves to Quercus ilex or holm oak. The leaves of the parent plant were used for ceremonial tea, which, when consumed in large quantities, caused a cleansing now memorialized by the specific epithet vomitoria.

Natively it can reach 10 to 20’ tall and 8-12 feet wide. This shrub is dioecious meaning it has separate male and female plants. To achieve the attractive signature fruits both male and female shrubs must be planted. (I still need to find a male plant)

Grow in average, well-drained soil in sun to shade, though it will produce more fruit and have a thicker canopy with more sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can withstand both drought, salt spray, and occasional flooding. This plant can take heavy pruning, transplants easily, and is resistant to Phytophthora root rot. 

The leaves are small, leathery and bright green and are not prickly like other hollies. They provide a larval food source to butterflies. Tiny white fragrant, nectar-rich, flowers appear in spring on separate male and female plants. The flowers are very attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. If fertilized, female shrubs produce showy drupes in fall, persisting through winter, and those fruits are enjoyed by songbirds and small mammals. The plant will form thickets unless suckers are removed.

Take advantage of the showy fruits and use this plant as a specimen. Its small evergreen leaves make it deal for sheering into a screen or hedge or use it in topiary. The tightly packed leaves also work well as a windbreak or barrier planting.  Because of its height it can add dark green color the back of a border.  This plant also does well in large containers. There are dwarf, weeping, and different colored berry forms available.

Ilex vomitoria ‘Panhandle Gold’ (Panhandle Gold Yaupon Holly): This cultivar of Yaupon holly was selected at Pandhandle Growers, a large wholesale tree nursery in Milton, FL. It has bright yellow berries and a large, upright growing habit.

Ilex vomitoria ‘Pride of Houston’ (Pride of Houston Yaupon Holly): This fast-growing, upright Yaupon holly does well in the sun or shade with attractive dark green foliage that creates the perfect background for the high volume of ornamental bright red berries that persist in the winter, attracting birds along the way.

Ilex vomitoria ‘Shadows Female’ (Shadows Female Yaupon Holly): This large, pyramidal shrub has scalloped, deep gray-green leaves. The clusters of tiny, fragrant blooms, if pollinated, give way to a sizable cluster of translucent, bright red berries that can last well into the winter. Shadows Female Yaupon Holly flourishes in moist, somewhat acidic, well-drained soils in full to part sun. It is ideal for screens or hedges, borders, and foundations.

Ilex vomitoria ‘South Harbor’ (South Harbor Yaupon Holly): A beautiful red berried selection with an upright growing habit.

Itea virginica ‘Love Child’ (Sweetspire): Blooming in spring with white racemes radiating out from a rounded plant with bright green foliage. The fragrance is lovely and in autumn the foliage turns gorgeous shades of burgundy. The small size makes it perfect for smaller gardens and foundation plantings. A versatile shrub for sun or shade.

Lindera benzoin (Spicebush): A deciduous native shrub that grows 8 -15 feet tall. Leaves produce a spicy odor when crushed. The bark is brown to gray-brown and speckled with light-colored lenticels. In early spring, small, yellow flowers mature in axillary clusters. This plant is sensitive to heat and drought and has good, yellow fall color.

Rhododendron arborescens (Smooth Azalea): An erect, loosely branched, woody, deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family this is native to eastern North America. Requires full sun to partial shade in sandy soil with an acidic pH. Moist soil with good drainage is preferable. Fast growing and spreading by underground runners, smooth azalea can reach a height and width of 8 to 12 feet tall.

Rhododenron atlanticum (Coastal Azalea): A compact, woody, deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry family). Typically, it matures to 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, but infrequently rises to as much as 6 feet tall. This azalea is native to coastal plain areas from New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Georgia. It prefers full sun to partial shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained sandy soil. Mulching the soil with needles, bark, or compost will help it stay moist and manage a consistent soil temperature. This plant spreads by underground stolons. Place plants where they can be protected from strong winter winds and frosts as leaves can burn and flowers can be damaged.  

Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea): A deciduous, woody shrub in the Ericaceae family that is native to moist woods, swamp margins, and open areas from Massachusetts to South Carolina and Tennessee. It is a dense, bushy, suckering shrub that typically grows 2 to 6 feet tall.  Has a slow growth rate and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils in dappled shade with protection from afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves.

Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea): A woody, deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family native to the southern and eastern United states. It tolerates damp, moist environments but requires enough drainage to avoid roots in constant standing water. The swamp azalea likes part shade and can tolerate some sun. Avoid afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. This shrub has very fragrant, sticky, white flowers that bloom from May to July and attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators. It grows 2 feet to 8 feet tall and about as wide. It is a spreading shrub. 

Rhus typhina ‘Tiger Eyes’ (Staghorn Sumac): Tiger Eyes™, a 2004 release from Bailey Nurseries, is a big departure from the typical staghorn sumac. An employee of the nursery discovered this mutation of ‘Laciniata’ among a stand of other sumacs at the nursery. This golden-leaved, dwarf, slow-spreading selection (R. typhina ‘Bailtiger’ PPAF) is a valuable addition to the landscape. This striking foliage plant offers a long season of interest with deeply cut, almost lacy leaves. The new growth starts out a vivid chartreuse but soon changes to a bright yellow. It remains that color throughout the growing season, without burning even in full sun. In autumn the plants turn a brilliant scarlet orange layered over the yellow, for an impressive show.

Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet): A native deciduous shrub in the Roseaceae family that is typically found in the eastern portion of North America including North Carolina. It grows naturally in bogs, swamps, wet meadows, along stream banks, and shore areas. Boasting fragrant flowers and a beautiful yellow fall color. Locate in full sun for best performance.  It is sensitive to heat and does not perform well in dry conditions. 

Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush): This upright, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub in the Roseacae family is native to wet meadows from Nova Scotia south to Louisiana and Georgia. Grows best in moist acidic soils in full sun. Mature height of 4 feet with a slightly larger width.

Viburnum dentatum (Arrowood): a native deciduous shrub that may grow 5 to 10’ tall. It is native to much of the eastern US. In spring, small, white flowers mature in flat-topped clusters up to 4 inches wide. The shrub produces a bluish-black drupe that matures in late summer and early fall. More than one genetic strain needed for fruit set. Plant Arrowwood in moist well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. 

Viburnum prunifolium (Blackhaw): A large suckering native shrub or small tree that may grow 20 feet tall and nearly as wide. It provides 3 seasons of interest and is a high-value wildlife plant. The spring flowers are in large white cymes and the fall leaf color is in reds and purples. Berries mature to purplish-black and are eaten by both humans and birds. Prefers partial sun and moist to dry well-drained soils.

Viburnum rufidulum (Southern Blackhaw): A deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or small single-stemmed tree in the Viburnaceae family.  It is native to eastern and central USA and is found in most areas of NC growing in rocky or dry woodlands and forests, along streams and valleys. The name comes from the rusty brown hairs on the undersides of leaves, buds and stems. It grows in dry to moist loams in full sun to partial shade slowly reaching a height and width of 10 to 20 feet. Clusters of small, white flowers mature in early spring followed by a blue drupe that matures in fall. The leaves have excellent fall color. More than one shrub is needed for good fruit production.  This low maintenance plant is resistant to browsing by deer and is drought tolerant once established.

Watch the tree and shrub planting here

PHASE 3: The herbaceous ground plane is focused on climate resilient native species that will fill in the open spaces quickly including native grasses, rushes, and sedges. The 1-gallon plants were purchased at Carolina Native Nursery and the landscape plugs were supplied by Hoffman Nursery a wholesale grower specializing in liners of grasses and grass-like plants. They are not open to the public for retail sales, but we bought extra plants to offer for sale during the Spring Open Garden.

GRASS, RUSH, AND SEDGE LIST:

Carex cherokeensis (Cherokee Sedge landscape plug): Excellent foundation in the landscape, particularly in meadow gardens, rain gardens, ground covers, natural areas, and in alternatives to traditional plantings. Cherokee Sedge can handle sun, preferring some shade; it likes moist conditions, yet it also tolerates average soils. The rich green, arching foliage spreads slowly in well-behaved clumps—a verdant companion to woodland perennials. It is similar to C. pensylvanica, but is a little larger with a coarser texture. Flowers are small, but the wheat-like seed spikes that follow gracefully droop and add interest in spring. Found primarily in lower Southeast U.S.

Carex lurida (Lurid Sedge landscape plug): With a widespread native range encompassing the eastern half of North America, this species is found in wet meadows, marshes, edges of bodies of water, open swamp forests, ditches, and wetlands. Lurid Sedge is also found in wet or moist sandy, acidic soil. Its foliage is bright yellow green and grows in an attractive cascading clump. It spreads by short rhizomes. Spikey, green seedheads appear in late spring. Carex lurida is useful for ditches and wet areas and it can adapt to average soil. Tolerates some shade and is useful in rain gardens, bioswales, ditches, and wet areas. Lurida comes from the Latin luridus referring to the yellow cast on its green foliage and seedheads.

Carex muskingumensis (Palm Sedge landscape plug): The brilliant green foliage that grows in a pinwheel, palm-like pattern makes this a unique specimen in the landscape. Found in lowland woods, floodplain forests, and shaded wet sites in central and upper Midwest. It prefers shade to part shade but can grow in sun if the soil is moist. Palm Sedge spreads slowly by rhizomes and reaches two feet. Plant in moist locations, near water gardens or ponds, in low-lying areas or in average garden soil that remains humid. It is particularly lovely in mixed planters, especially when combined with other moisture-loving plants such Juncus or Acorus. Palm Sedge is an attractive native sedge that grows naturally in river bottoms. Carex muskingumensis is named for the Muskingum River, which flows for 111 miles in Southeast Ohio and is renowned for having the last hand-operated navigation lock system in the US.

Chasmanthium latifolium (River Oats landscape plug): This US native produces a multitude of beautiful pale green seed heads in midsummer that are reminiscent of the sea oats found at the beach. Panicles drop under their weight and look absolutely beautiful when backlit by the sun. Chasmanthium latifolium is a tall ground cover that grows in just about any situation: sun, shade, moist or dry. This ornamental native grass is a great landscape solution for areas of dry shade. When planting, keep in mind that River Oats will spread and reseed, so place it in appropriate locations. When planted in sun, this plant may grow taller than four feet.

Chasmanthium laxum (Slender Wood Oats landscape plug): This species thrives in rich woods, meadows, and swamps, particularly in coastal plain regions of the Eastern and Southeastern U.S. It often inhabits the same areas as its close cousin, Chasmanthium sessiliflorum. Although taller, Chasmanthium laxum has a more delicate habit than Chasmanthium sessiliflorum. Arrowhead-shaped, persistent seed heads lend a subtle beauty to this little-known native grass. Slender Woodoats is well-suited for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects in shady or partially sunny areas. It does double duty by adding grace and movement to cultivated gardens. Adapts to coarse, fine, and medium textured soils and is moderately drought tolerant. Chasmanthium are inland grasses formerly included in Uniola with true sea oats; however, they have nothing to do with the sea.

Juncus inflexus ‘Blue Arrows’ (Blue Arrows Rush landscape plug): Although often grown as a wetland plant, Juncus inflexus is quite drought tolerant once established. Blue Arrows Rush thrives in heat and full sun. It fits perfectly beside a pool, pond, or stream where its reflection captures the mood of an aquatic paradise. Blue Arrows’ soft color and beautiful, upright form make it irresistible in container combos and annual beds. In the wild, Juncus inflexus is found in wet soils along streams, ditches, and on wet, sandy and peaty hillsides. Juncus are tough, versatile, and evergreen in most climates’ they’re versatile plants underused.

Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass 1 gallon): This North American native, pink muhly grass sounds too good to be true. Long-lived, with little to no insect or disease pests, and highly resistant to deer grazing, this ornamental grass is perfect for the low-maintenance garden. Muhly grass tolerates heat, humidity, drought, and poor soil and is highly salt tolerant. It is adaptable to home or commercial landscapes. Plant in groups or masses for fall season color.

Muhlenbergia ‘White Cloud’ (White Cloud Muhly Grass landscape plug): White Cloud Muhly Grass produces beautiful, moonlight white, billowing seed heads and fine-textured, blue-green foliage. It has a more upright shape, grows a bit taller, and blooms shortly after Pink Muhly Grass. Its airy, ivory blooms embellish and soften the landscape, and rival the breathtaking look that Pink Muhly is famous for achieving. Drought tolerant, undemanding, and elegant, it is a capable candidate for highway projects, difficult areas, and mass plantings. In the landscape, it combines well with the colorful red and orange fall foliage of other grasses.

Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Tears’ (Purple tears Switchgrass landscape plug): Renowned plantsman and designer Piet Oudolf brings us a Switchgrass that’s destined to be a classic. He discovered this delightful selection of our native species in a nursery plot in Hummelo, Netherlands. Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Tears’ bears flowering spikes with soft gray color at the top, followed by splendid, purple seed heads. With a manageable height of 4’, its narrow, upright habit make it perfect for a range of landscape applications. It has the same toughness and adaptability you’ll find in other Switchgrass cultivars.

Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ (Switchgrass 1 gallon): This spectacular red switchgrass has upright foliage that becomes red tinted during the growing season. Panicum are renowned for being drought tolerant and easy to maintain, and they also provide food and shelter to wildlife. Interestingly, the US native Panicum have been studied in Europe where cultivars were reintroduced into North America. Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ is one of these: it was discovered by Hans Simon in Germany from a seedling of Panicum virgatum ‘Hänse Herms’.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Prairie Blues’ (Little Bluestem1 gallon):  a perennial, ornamental, warm season grass with attractive foliage. It is native to eastern North America and is found naturally in a wide range of moist to dry habitats. The narrow erect clumps may grow to 2 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. It performs best in average, dry to medium-moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including infertility and clay. Once established, it has excellent drought resistance. It is well-adapted to southern climates as it tolerates high heat, humidity, and salt. Cut it back to the ground in late winter or early spring to promote new, attractive growth, and keep mulch away from the crown.

Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Drop Seed 1 gallon): A native perennial clump-forming, warm-season, ornamental grass that forms dense tufts of sprawling leaves up to 2 feet high and 3 feet across. Tiny rounded mature seeds drop to the ground from their hulls in autumn giving rise to the descriptive common name. Grows in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils and has a reputation for being slow to establish itself in a site as well as slow growing. It prefers full sun and dry, rocky soil, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including heavy clays, as well as deer, drought, and other challenges. The flowers arch high above the leaves and provide movement as they sway in the wind dispersing their fragrance said to be reminiscent of buttered popcorn or hot wax.  It displays a glossy green fine summer color that turns deep orange in late fall and then fades to light copper. Snow does not flatten the plant, so it is visible even in winter.  Prune it back in spring to shape.  The root system is fibrous and short-rhizomatous. 

Sporobolus wrightii (Giant Sacaton landscape plug): Giant Sacaton has a presence that brings to mind the exotic and fanciful with its arching foliage topped with showy plumes. Yet, Sporobolus wrightii is a North American native grass, and it is a beauty. One-to-two-foot plumes wave above its narrow blades, and the blooms persist well into winter. Giant Sacaton makes a showy specimen, an accent in mixed plantings, or a highly ornamental solution to erosion on a slope. This Southwest native grows mainly in semi-desert habitats, and to a lesser extent in moist areas such as clay flats, floodplains, and desert lakes and marshes. This translates into drought, salt, and alkaline tolerance, and adaptability to many landscape settings. In mild climates, Sporobolus wrightii will retain some green foliage year-round. This is an excellent native substitution for Miscanthus.

Watch the grass, rush, and sedge planting here

PHASE 3: This is the “wow factor” element of the garden. This will continue to evolve as I acquire more plants!

FLOWERING PERENNIAL LIST:

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed 1 gallon): An herbaceous perennial native to central and eastern United States that grows in full sun to partial shade in soils with neutral to acidic pH. It is native to wet sites but adapts to drier sites in moist clay or loam soils. The attractive pink to rose-purple flowers mature in mid-spring and last into early fall. The seed pods split open to release seeds that float on the wind. Milkweed is an important food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and the flowers are visited by many pollinators.  It is resistant to browsing by deer.

Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ (Garden Phlox 1 gallon): Noted for having excellent resistance to powdery mildew 'Jeana' is a lovely herbaceous perennial with large, tiered clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to early fall, the fragrant flowers are rich in nectar and visited by hummingbirds and butterflies. Grow in full sun, with moist, well-draining soil.

Rudbeckia fulgida 'American Gold Rush' (Black-Eyed Susan 1 gallon): A compact, clump-forming perennial with masses of golden-yellow daisy like flowers thar are 2” across.  Blooming from mid-summer through early fall, they are borne on branching, upright stems atop a spreading clump of rich green foliage. Best in full sun with well-draining soil.

Sisyrinchium angustifolium ‘Lucerne’ (Blue-Eyed Grass 1 gallon): The blue flowers are on branching stems with grass-like foliage in abundance in the spring. This plant is not a grass but is in the iris family. The stiff, upright, sword-shaped leaves form into a fan shape, very similar to other Iris relatives. The leaves are typically narrower than those on an iris. It grows from rhizomes and appreciates moist to average soil. Natively it grows in moist meadows, marshes, low woods, damp open woods, on stream banks and slopes.

Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ (Rough Goldenrod 1 gallon): This is a cultivar of the native herbaceous perennial Solidago rugosa in the Asteraceae family. Plants form a bushy, upright clump reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and wide of dark-green leaves and grow best in moist, well-drained soil, but are somewhat tolerant of dry and wet soils. In late summer the blooms appear along 18-inch arching stems held above the foliage to provide a stunning display of yellow flowers that resemble fireworks, hence the cultivar name.  These blooms are very attractive to various butterflies and bees.

Symphyotrichum georgianum (Georgia Aster 1 gallon): Yes, you can call it an aster! This native wildflower from the daisy family is typically found in dry rocky woodlands or in disturbed areas. It prefers full sun in well-drained soils. Bees and pollinators frequently visit this food source along with small mammals and deer- UH OH!!