Building a Native Plant Garden from Scratch - Part 5: Plant Evaluation

It's time to reflect on the trials and triumphs of tending to the new native plant garden after extreme heat and drought struck the last several summers. I had a lot of moments where I questioned myself and most of all I hope you can learn from this botanical journey as I evaluate the aftermath of hot summers, discovering the resilient stars and learning some valuable lessons along the way.

My daily routine involves the "walk of shame," assessing the damage, and relocating struggling plants to the cooler embrace of the woodland swamp. A necessary move for their survival, albeit one that creates new gaps needing to be filled.

A gardener’s walk of shame is no joke! In this sandy expanse, where the sun's rays beat down with unyielding intensity, even the hardiest of plants find themselves in a battle for survival. The native smooth azalea, Rhododendron arborescens, and its coastal cousin, Rhododendron atlanticum, along with the sweet pepperbush, Clethera alnifolia, bore the brunt of July and August heatwaves, succumbing to the relentless sun.

I hope you will enjoy these native garden tour videos that show how everything performed during and after a long, hot, dry summer.

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

As I face the reality of these challenging conditions, I've shifted my gaze southward to Texas, north Florida, Georgia, and Alabama for inspiration. There, plants have acclimated to the "new normal" of soaring summer temperatures and intermittent dry spells. Instead of relying on flowering, deciduous shrubs, I'm exploring drought-tolerant conifers and small-leaved perennials capable of thriving in our front yard's demanding environment.

This shift isn't a discouragement from embracing native plants but a recognition that what once thrived may now face unforeseen challenges. The evolving climate demands a reevaluation of our plant selections, especially when working with full sun exposure in the southeastern climate of the twenty-first century.

Amidst the trials, some native species have stood resilient in the face of adversity. The meadowsweet, Spiraea alba, gracefully reblooms, defying soaring temperatures. Its cousin, the steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa), adds structure to the landscape, with spent flowers gaining a new showiness as they dry. The coastal witch-alder (Fothergilla gardenia) remains unfazed, and the understory of sedges (Carex cherokeensis, C. lurida, and C. muskingumensis) continues to provide lush fillings, thwarting weeds' attempts to establish.

Carex species are a grass-like sedge that add texture and movement as a groundcover.

The flowering perennials, true to their name, have proven their mettle, with many putting on a spectacular display in their first year. A particular standout is the spotted beebalm (Mondarda punctata), attracting a multitude of pollinators with its towering 5-foot stature.

Spotted beebalm is a pollinator magnet!

The American Gold Rush black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) has been another stalwart bloomer, so are the 'Solar Cascade' goldenrods (Solidago shortii), and the muhly grasses prepare for their colorful showcase.

'Solar Cascade' Short's goldenrod and 'Gold Rush' black-eyed Susan.

However, not all tales are filled with unbridled success. The perennial plant of the year for 2024, Phlox paniculata 'Jeana,' has disappointed in my full-sun gardens, displaying floppiness, and succumbing to Septoria leaf spot. A lesson learned: perhaps this variety will fare better in partial shade, prompting a transplant to the woodland. On the brighter side, 'Bright Eyes' phlox continues to thrive despite the extreme heat, earning its keep with a show that captivates both humans and pollinators.

'Bright Eyes' phlox is my favorite phlox, it grows the best in my garden, and attracts lots of pollinators, like these swallowtails.

As I reflect on this eventful year of establishing and managing North American native borders, I recognize the invaluable lessons learned. These plantings, challenging as they were, nudged me out of my gardening comfort zone, prompting a reassessment of my approach to selection, design, and maintenance. They shed light on the complexities of managing a full-sun, sandy front yard, unveiling the need for adaptability and resilience.

As we round the corner on a full year since these full sun borders have been planted, I offer 3 key takeaways from the experience:

1. Build Your Soil First: Building a new garden demands effort, so take it step by step. Don't underestimate the importance of organic matter in the soil; topdress beds with Soil³ compost to enhance water and nutrient retention. After this summer, I wish I had used more! When I make new beds, I plan to add 8-12” of Soil³ compost to ensure I can keep the beds moist enough through the reality of summer! I have decided there is no such thing as too much Soil³!
2. Plant Selections Matters: Consider local environmental conditions, wildlife interactions, and the evolving climate when choosing plants. And look to a region south of you for inspiration of plant species as those will likely perform best. Sadly, summer is getting hotter and drier, as the new USDA zone map indicates. Move struggling plants to more suitable locations and prioritize those that thrive in your specific conditions. Don’t be like me and think you can keep wet loving plants alive by running a sprinkler! It is also important to celebrate the plants that do perform best. Despite challenges, certain shrubs and perennials shine brightly. Coastal witch-alder, meadowsweet, and resilient grasses have proven their worth, adding beauty and structure to the landscape.
3. Embrace Change and Enjoy the Journey: Understand that climate conditions evolve, and what once thrived may face new challenges. Seek inspiration from neighboring regions and strike a balance between ambition and the realities of your local climate. Most importantly, gardening is meant to bring joy and satisfaction. Experiment, learn from setbacks, and share triumphs with fellow enthusiasts. Stay intentional and forever inspired, for every plant contributes positively to our world.

May your gardens thrive, adapt, and continue to be sources of joy and inspiration. Gardening, after all, is a celebration of nature's resilience—one plant at a time. Until our next botanical adventure, I am wishing you well,

Brie the Plant Lady

All photos & videos by Brie Arthur.