As summer begins you’ll see flowers everywhere – many shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals are in full bloom. While all flowers are beautiful, consider adding plants that have the added benefit of supporting wildlife. Many native and migratory birds and butterflies depend on plants that can be found in your yard for their nutrition. While lots of plants provide nectar and food sources, plants that are native to our area are often the most nutritionally supportive. Many of these plants have the additional benefit of being drought tolerant and deer resistant. Below are some options that are sure to attract wildlife to your yard.
Agastache and Eupatorium dubium – Anise Hyssop and Joe Pye Weed
Two great native plants for full sun are Anise Hyssop and Joe Pye Weed. Available in a variety of cultivars these plants exist as both dwarf and full size varieties and provide beautiful flowers throughout the summer. The photo below shows a group of butterflies enjoying these plants in a garden in Hillsborough NC.
Lobelia cardinalis and Campsis radicans – Cardinal Flower and Trumpet Vine
One of the most exciting bird sightings can be the first hummingbird of the season. These small birds area a great addition to the garden. They are also heavy feeders, needing a lot of nutrition. While many gardeners rely on hummingbird feeders there are some great plants that can support hummingbirds as well. Cardinal Flower and Trumpet Vine are two native pants that offer the bright trumpet shaped blooms that hummingbirds prefer. Trumpet Vine can thrive in full sun or partial shade and will climb large shade trees or creep along the ground. Cardinal Flower prefers partial sun, with cool morning sun being best in NC.
Now use native plants to create your own wildlife garden!
Consider adding some of these great native plants to your garden. Or go even further and designate a portion of your property as a wildlife garden to be dedicated to native plants that will support wildlife. Our customers are often surprised at the joy they experience from being able to watch birds and butterflies in the garden. Looking to design such an area or need help making plant selections? Give us a call at 919-475-1015 or fill out our online contact from at https://www.brightleaflandscaping.com/contact-us/. Design and installation are our expertise, and we are always happy to meet with new clients to discuss potential projects!