This small corner lot generates a lot of interest from passersby. John and Alice wanted to create a primarily native plant landscape with no turf grass visible from the street that would fit within this traditional suburban neighborhood. The plantings include both wild-type and nursery varieties of natives.
John and Alice had the front garden designed and installed by Wallflowerdesign, a local garden firm specializing in designed plant communities. The existing grass was literally scraped off and the front garden was started from scratch with the exception of an existing Loblolly Pine. The side and back gardens were planned and installed by John.
The ground layer includes several sedge, fern, and shorter grass species. The middle layer includes multiple perennial species, spicebush, fothergilla, buttonbush, winterberry and switchgrass. Understory trees include redbud, serviceberry, and southern blackhaw. Taller trees added include dwarf river birch, bald cypress, American Smoke Tree and a fringe tree.
