When we first moved here almost seven years ago, we had a big back lot right up to the wetlands. It was dirt with a couple of old gum trees in the back. I never believe in cutting down a tree so we still have those pain in the neck gumballs on the ground each fall and winter. I’m not the planter or weeder. I’m the planner. I am the reader and searcher for what grows in North Carolina in the sun in questionable soil. I read about lots of dos and don’ts. Some I followed, others I didn’t. Russian Sage does grow to monster size. Leland cypresses are still standing and the more expensive cypressey ones are slow growing. In the back section the laybrinth lasted two years until I realized all those holy walks were no barrier to weeds and bugs. We tried wild flowers which were beautiful to look at part of the summer but full of weeds with stickers. Now we just let it go with a path here and there going back to another path back into the wetlands (which is probably illegal). We only use it November – March, after that the bugs, snakes and poison ivy are treacherous.
Nothing against local nurseries where we have purchased some beautiful trees , my very favorite place to shop is by mail-order from niche gardens, outside of Raleigh. Everything arrives alive. and lives well. Sometimes we have mystery plants since we don’t always track where we planted what. By favorites by far are joe pye weed which does fantastically although the hurricane gave it short shelf life this year. And some kind of sugar cane that grows 20-25 feet high and ten feet across. And the special plants for monarch butterflies.
I find perennials miraculous. Every spring, I am amazed at what comes out of the ground. Gives me great hope. When you don’t keep accurate planting records it is always a wonder.
You won’t be disappointed.
NOW SHIPPING FOR SPRING 2012 SEASON
Visit our retail nursery for native and unusual perennials, grasses, ferns and shrubs.
