Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of June 20, 2005
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

Many new homes have a landscape plan that has an area marked “natural.” Just what does this mean? It is left entirely to nature—not trimmed, weeded, or tended in any way? Or is this a planned, low-maintenance area, attractively planted and managed with plants native to this area? For many people, a minimum maintenance area seems to be the goal and this requires some research and a carefully designed plan.

What do you want from this area—trees to frame a “view”? A “view” from a living room window? Some year-round color? A place for a bird feeder? A path winding through the woods? What are the growing conditions like—do you have a wet boggy area (this can be a plus) or is it all the dense, dry shade of thick woodlands?

With a wish list in hand, you can start your plan. Here are some ideas for a natural area mainly using minimum care native plants.

Every garden, whether formal or naturalistic, needs an element of mystery enticing you out of the house on a beautiful spring day, to walk down the path and see where it leads, to glimpse the river through the trees, or look at a shrub in blossom. So, consider making pathways using a contrasting mulch material such as bark chips if you are using pine needles as the main mulch. Or maybe lay down pavers spaced a step apart to give access to a bird bath or lead the eye to a group of azaleas planted on the edge of your property.

Once you have the bare bones down on paper, the fun part begins. Now you can decorate your natural area with native plants. Carefully review what you already have. Think about “limbing up” trees. This means removing lower branches to allow more light to reach the ground. Limbing up also helps prevent wind damage in a storm as it opens up the canopy, thus allowing the wind to blow through the tree. Limbing up works wonderfully with many overgrown shrubs, especially azaleas.

Unfortunately, many native trees and plants are being lost to development in Brunswick County. Here is your chance to help by replanting some of these beautiful plants. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is hard to establish, very prone to disease and insects. A small, young tree is more likely to survive. The Chinese dogwood C. kouse and its hybrids are now being sold in place of C. florida. Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) has fragrant white flowers in spring and grows slowly to 10-25 feet. It grows well in sun or shade, and prefers a moist area but will tolerate dry.

Hollies (Ilex sp.): The native ones are American (I. opaca) and I. yaupon. Female trees are needed to get berries.

Devilwood (Osmanthus americana): A large evergreen shrub or multi-stem tree, it is related to sweet olive. It has white fragrant flowers in spring, followed by blue-black berries loved by birds. It likes a damp area, but adapts to anything. It has fast growth, but gardeners must prune for shape and control.

Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens): This is a fast-growing evergreen vine with fragrant yellow flowers in spring. It has several common names. The deer will not eat this plant because it is poisonous. Allow it to scramble up tree trunks for a beautiful spring display. Adapts to dry and wet conditions and it can be used as ground cover.

Sweet Bay (Magnolia virginiana): This beautiful evergreen has very fragrant white flowers in summer. A large shrub or medium tree, it likes “wet feet” and grows in boggy areas and is a first pick for a wet area.

Native Azalea (Rhododendron sp. atlanticum, canescens, etc.): Deciduous azaleas have very fragrant spring flowers, usually in white or pink. They like light shade with reliable moisture.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana): This is a moderate-size evergreen tree. Very adaptable and tolerates pruning to size. Birds love the fruit.

For year-round color and additional interest, put I some native bulbs and plants. Although not native, daffodils will grow in light shade. Buy varieties suited to the South. Paperwhites will perennialize when left to themselves.

Crinum (C. americana) is a white spring-flowering bulb also known as “bog lily.” Plant it in a swampy area and enjoy its beautiful spidery flowers and lovely fragrance.

Other Crinums known by various names such as “milk and wine lilies” and Confederate lily will grow in sunny areas and spread once established.

Tickseed (Coreopsis sp.) is a colorful plant which will grow anywhere except deep shade. It seeds itself abundantly.

Wild ageratum or mistflower (Eupatorium coelestinum): This ageratum look-alike flowers in the fall, when blue flowers are in short supply. It likes a moist soil and spreads easily.

All of these plants, once established, should thrive with minimum attention in your natural area. Native plants with berries and seed heads will bring birds into your yard to feed and nest. Amend the soil with peat or other humus with planting and give them some water for the first year or so. A soaker hose covered with mulch (on a timer if you wish) is a convenient way to do this. All these plants are available locally or through mail-order catalogues.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 6/6/2005