As your landscape exited the drab monotony of the last cold winter, the plants rushed back to healthy, vibrant life. You want to channel that energy throughout the growing season and add some new plants to the mix so that you get maximum enjoyment from your landscape this year; and plan ahead for next spring as well. To get the best idea of what plants to use, visit your local garden nursery. The experts are there waiting to help you achieve wonderful beauty in your landscape. Here are some top picks from a garden nursery near me: ideas for landscapes in Bergen County and Sussex County, NJ.
Walk Around and Take Notes
Take notes when you’re at the garden nursery. But first, take notes about your landscape. Look around during the day. Which areas are shady? Sunny? Stick your hand in the soil. Which areas are moist? Dry? How big are these areas, and which plants are currently there that are thriving, or struggling? Getting answers to these questions will allow the experts to point you to the right plants for your landscape. Don’t forget to take pictures so you can remember your favorites as you browse the selections and talk to the experts.
Natives First
By far your best bet at a healthy landscape in New Jersey will be encouraging the propagation of native species. While exotic plants may conjure up a certain feeling, they require consistent watering, maintenance, fertilizing, and even weather-proofing: in short, a decision has to be made between high-maintenance exotic beauty and low-maintenance native beauty. Since natives have evolved in the area for millions of years, they are perfectly suited to the area; and . New Jersey has an unbridled range of vibrant native color to delight you throughout the seasons.
Shady and Moist
These areas get minimal sunlight and are typically found on the northern and eastern sides of your house. Consider Golden Ragwort, Wild Ginger, Canadian Columbine, Cardinal Flower, and Wild Columbine as some popular flowers that do well in these environments. Shrubs that offer colorful flowers as well include the Witch Hazel, Northern Spicebush, and Mountain Laurel. Meanwhile, Maidenhair ferns provide dramatic visual texture and are happiest in these areas. They can make an area feel truly primordial and wild, adding a sort of wonder to your carefully curated landscape.
Sunny and Dry
The southern and western sides of your landscape are much more exposed to sunlight and therefore dry out faster; even a little more sun exposure makes a difference. For these areas, consider the Golden Sundrops, Blue Flag Iris, Wild Indigo, Turtlehead, and Jerusalem Artichoke flowers to take full advantage of the sunlight. Shrubs that thrive in this area include the Red Chokecherry, Winterberry, and Witch Alder. Consider the cinnamon fern as well as a rare member of the fern family that enjoys lots of sunlight.
Don’t Forget Trees!
Many trees native to New Jersey produce brightly colored flowers and exhibit stunning color changes in the autumn. The Red Oak is New Jersey’s state tree and it provides bright green in the spring and stunning reds in the autumn. Other trees that flower include the Flowering Dogwood, Silver Bell, and Tulip Tree, each showing their ability to create a gorgeous spread of colorful texture. Meanwhile, pines are not to be ignored as gorgeous backdrops to colorful plants as well as quiet beauty during the winter months. Consider the Black Spruce as an example of year-round color to brighten up your landscape.
