By Eleanor Quigley, ABC
Alexandria, VA – Ready to transform your yard into a gorgeous, wildlife-friendly paradise? Creating a native plant garden isn’t just about adding beauty. It’s also about supporting local biodiversity and creating a space that flourishes with minimal effort. As the weather warms up and we’re all itching to get outside, March and April are the perfect time to kick off your planting adventure. Here’s a fun guide to get your garden blooming in no time.
Step One: Choose and prep your site – Start by clearing out grass and weeds from your chosen spot. Aim for a spot that gets five to six hours of sunlight a day. But if you’re in a shadier area, no worries. There are plenty of plants that thrive in the shade (see below, for suggestions). If your soil is compacted, dig about six to eight inches deep, and consider adding compost to make the spot happier. Don’t forget – your new plants will thank you if you avoid areas with standing water.
Step Two: Plan and pick your planys – Now comes the fun part: choosing your plants. Research the natives that thrive in Northern Virginia’s climate, soil, and light conditions. Native plants are like the superheroes of your garden – resistant to pests, low maintenance, and ready to flourish. Visit the Plant NOVA Natives website (plantnovanatives.org) for a list and/or ask your local nursery for ideas. Choose plants that offer something cool to look at all year round. Here are some of our faves:
• Spring: Virginia Bluebell (partial to full shade), Wild Geranium (full sun to partial shade)
• Summer: Scarlett Beebalm (full sun to part shade), Cardinal Flower (full sun to full shade), Purple Coneflower (full sun to light shade)
• Fall: Goldenrod Little Lemon (full sun), White Wood Aster (full sun to dappled shade)
For extra impact, plant in groups of three of the same species and play around with height, color, and texture to create a garden that’s both vibrant and dynamic.
Step Three: Planting, watering, mulching – It’s go-time. Plant your bare-root or potted natives in late April or early May (once the frost is gone). Give them space to grow by planting according to their mature size. Water well to help the roots settle in and spread a thin layer of mulch – about an inch deep – to keep moisture in and weeds at bay (leaf mulch works great). Once your plants are settled, they’ll need little water unless it’s a particularly hot or dry stretch.
By choosing native plants, you’re creating a stunning, low-maintenance garden that will be buzzing with local wildlife all year long. Let’s get planting and watch your garden thrive.
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