When I first came to Georgia twelve years ago, I quickly discovered that the plants I loved and grew in Ohio didn't work with the soil and climate of Georgia. Instead of fighting a losing battle, I decided to use plants native to the area. They thrived and worked well with the different kinds of wildlife in the area. If you'd like to transition to native plants in your landscape design, here's how to do it:
1. Assess your site. Figure out drainage and sunlight exposure. Determine nutrients in your soil by taking soil samples. If needed, add organic material like compost, or topsoil, preferably to a depth of 6-8 inches.
2. Plan your design. Group similar plants together by their water and sunlight needs. Plant taller plants in the back and shorter ones in the front. Use a variety of plant types that will provide year-round interest.
3. Select native plants: Trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses. In my area, White Oak, American holly, Eastern White Pine, oakleaf hydrangea, black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, sunflowers, switchgrass, and river oats work well.
4. Remove invasive, non-native species.
5. Mulch and water.
6. Plant to attract pollinators: milkweed for monarchs, bee balm for bees...
7. Maintain properly. Allow plants to reseed and spread naturally.
8. Use local resources. Your state probably has organizations and plant societies dedicated to native plant gardening. You can look for them online.
Today's IWSG question is: If you could sit down and have an adventure, fight, or enjoy a beer or wine with a fantasy character, who would it be? Dumbledore from Harry Potter. I wouldn't want to fight him, but it would be cool to have an adventure with him or sit down and chat. He's such a cool, wise old dude. Who would you choose?
Gardening tip: You can soak dish sponges in water and put them at the bottom of your potted plants to help them stay hydrated. Do this before you add the soil.
