When you walk through your landscaping, do you see just plants? Or do you see plants that have history and stories? If all you see are plants, why not add plants to your landscape that are native to Maryland, and have a story to tell? Think about the conversations you can have as your guests walk through your landscape or sit on your patio and you point out plants declared the focus of the year for Maryland. If you have children, think about the historical perspective you are adding to your landscape.
What are we suggesting? We are suggesting creating a timeline of native plants in your landscaping. As your landscape designer we will come to your property, and not only help you plan how to incorporate these plants into your existing landscape, but we will also help you plan for future plants. Or, if you prefer, we will start from scratch and help you plan a whole new landscape using native Maryland plants.
We use the Maryland Native Plant Society as our guide. They list plants as a focus for each year. They also give a detailed list of the plants you can download, or you can just ask us and we will have that list for you as we talk.
2016. The Conifer is the plant for 2016 and the Native Plant Society lists twenty-three Conifers native to Maryland, and four of those are endangered or threatened. Conifers provide green throughout the year and are great for windbreaks. There are Conifers that will grow large and tall, and there are others that are smaller. The larger ones will be great for outlining the perimeter of your landscape and the smaller ones are great to set in rock gardens, as short borders for walkways, or as a focal point to walk around.
2015. Vines are the plant for 2015 and the society lists a multitude of vines that can create arbors and decorating fences. If you want to incorporate a shed, pool storage, or other types of building, vines are great for covering that building so it is not seen.
2014. This is the year of the rose. There are many varieties that thrive in Maryland. We would suggest a small rose garden with a variety or an area close to a walkway with two or three bushes. Planting a rose-bush by a bench or patio provides a breeze with the slight scent of the rose.
2013. The Heath is the focus of 2013. When we add Heaths to your landscaping we will be looking for the perfect place to plant Trailing Arbutus or Wild Azaleas. The Wild Azalea will provide splashes of color wherever you want in your landscaping. You could even plant a ring of Wild Azaleas around your new Conifer.
2012. This is the year of the Oak. There are several Oaks that are native to Maryland and we would be looking for the perfect place to plant an Oak tree with a bench underneath so you can enjoy the shade during the summer months.
2011. The Fern is the focus of this year. Ferns give a soft, or delicate, look to your landscaping and are great for bordering a patio or in pots on the patio. Mix ferns and Wild Azaleas for a wispy, colorful focal point. Ferns will also look great mixed with flowers around your new Oaktree and around benches near your walkways.
We are hoping the idea of planting a timeline of native Maryland plants intrigues you. If it does, contact us, and let us start talking about the possibilities. We can also talk about maintaining your new landscaping. As always, we want to find what works best for you and for your lifestyle.