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Create a Fabulous Landscape with a blend of native and ornamental plantings.
By Mark A. Tamn
The memories of exploring the monstrous sand dunes and native vegetation while growing up on Long Beach Island, New Jersey will forever be imbedded in my mind. The sea oats swaying as the ocean breeze cleanses the mountainous shoreline.  The native Hollies with their brilliant berries are a definite treat du jure for the birds that called this sandy island home. And of course, the unforgettable fragrance of bay berries in bloom, spicing up the cool, salty air!
Yes, the indigenous plants of our entire coastal region are truly a valuable resource for each of us to treasure, and to protect for future generations. It is not a matter of choice, but of obligation! Yet with the recent surge in home and commercial construction, many of our maritime forest and other natural settings are becoming lost or more urbanized each day. It may sound a bit eclectic, but we can strike a balance between the preservation of our indigenous vegetation, and blending these native plants, with aesthetically appealing ornamental plants in our coastal landscape.
First it is important to understand that all plants have specific needs. Considerations when determining plant selection should include:
- Maintenance and cultural requirements – Irrigation, pruning, fertilization, and pest resistance or susceptibility. These are all plant qualities that you should explore before planting. Get to know your plants! Can you provide the care it may require?
- Recommend gardening zone- Each region of the country is divided into various zones. The more northerly the region, the lower the number. We are generally in zone 7-B, or zone 8, depending on where in southeastern North Carolina you reside.
- Soil pH and soil condition- All plants have soil pH ranges in which they will perform at their peak. You should have a soil pH test preformed prior to planting, so that you have a general idea which plants might perform best for your soil type. The texture of your soil is also important. Is it mostly sand? Perhaps sandy loam? Most plants have preferred soil structures for maximum health. All soils can easily be amended with organic matter before planting. How well does your soil drain? If your drainage is poor, can the plant tolerate wet feet? (Soils which stay moist around the plants root system.)
- Your micro environment- Is your landscape site in sun or shade? How many hours of sun each day does your proposed landscape bed receive during the growing season? Will the propose landscape bed receive southern or northern exposure? How about wind? Some plants are more tolerant to wind and salt blast then others. This is certainly an important factor on or near our beach areas. Are there large trees which could deprive your plants of water, nutrients, and light?
Don’t Be a Gardening Wimp!
While it is generally true that all plants have ideal condition for growth, it is sometimes interesting to challenge conventional gardening wisdom. Truth be told, there are many more options regarding plant selection then most folks realize. It has always surprised me that many home owners and even some landscape companies, tend to play it safe and boring when planting at the beach. Have you ever noticed how many
of our coastal landscape consist of the same six or seven plants? Observe most island landscape and you are certain to find the traditional: Pittosporum, Eleagnus, Windmill Palms, Pampas Grass, Yucca, Lantana, Oleanders, and Indian Hawthorn everywhere! Naturally, homes which are directly on the beach front present the greatest challenge. They will have a micro-environment all their own. Salt blast, high winds, and sandy soils that will get hot and are void of microbial life are just a few of the elements that will influence your plant selections. In unprotected areas, it is advisable to select those plants that can withstand native conditions. However, many other ornamental plants will perform well on the beach if protected under larger, more salt and wind tolerant plants, buildings, and other protective barriers. If you are not sure how a certain plant you like will perform in a specific location, plant only one and monitor the result over the course of one full year.
If you do not live on the beach front, consider mixing in plants that prefer shade with some of your native plants. A few choices for light and heavy shade are: Winter Daphne, Fatsia, Cast Iron Plants, Hellebores, (Lenton Rose). There are many cultivars of Hellebores to choose from. These plants make a great ground cover in shady areas, or in maritime forest setting. The flowers of the Lenten Rose can be a real treat in the garden during February through April. Winter Daphne will also perform well in a wooded setting, as it grows among your native Taupons, Holly and Oaks. Winter Daphne will bloom clusters of small pink flower from late January through March. Mix in some great annuals and perennials for spring and summer color such as Sweet Alyssum, Day Lilies, Scaviosa, Vinca, Wave Petunias, annual and perennial Hibiscus, Canna Lilies, Flowering Maples, Gaillardia, (an escape from cultivation now found growing on the beach), for full sun.
For some color in full or partial shade, try Encore Azaleas, (blooms several times), Begonias (some varieties will come back each year). Chocolate Chip Ajuga, Camellias, Astillbees, Woodland Flox, Columbine, Bleeding Hearts, and of course one of the many varieties of hostas and ferns that are available. If you would like to try some very interesting topicals in your shade gardens, look no further than the green house or under the shade cloth of your local garden center. These plants are in the shade because they cannot tolerate our intense summer sun, but they should preform great in a shady area. Crotons, Bird of Paradise, and many more can add color and interest to your shade garden.
Looking for some vines for an arbor, trellis, or mailbox? Try some pink and white Madevilla growing together, Carolina or Confederate Jessamine, Lady Banks Rose, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Chinese Wisteria, Hummingbird Vine (can be invasive) or one of the many Clematis varieties.
Other plants to try on or near the beach include the Loquat. This plant is quite tropical looking and can be grown as a tree or shrub. I really like this plant for the beach areas, as it is generally evergreen, and produces a modest flower before fruiting. The large, dark green leaves will really add an aesthetically appealing look to any landscape. Ornamental Banana plants are also one of my favorites on or near the beach, provided that they have some protection from harsh winds. Abellia with its white or pink flowers blooming from May through fall is a great choice for larger landscape beds in full sun. One of the most striking plants for a landscape garden during the heat of summer is the Plum Bago. Its vibrant blue to lavender flower will surely provide a cooling effect on a hot summer day!
And of course, tropical gardens are always in vogue near the beach, and nothing exudes a tropical aura more than a palm tree. Some of the more cold tolerant palms you can use include the Wind Mill (sun or shade), Palmetto Palm (only native palm to NC, found on Bald Head Island), Pindo or Jelly Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm, and King or Emperor Sago Palm.
Remember, the most interesting landscape that you will ever see, are those that have thoughtfully balance our valuable native plants, with attractive yet practical ornamental plantings. Plan your landscape with the preservation of indigenous plants in mind, and experiment by adding new and different plant material to your gardens. This will not only enhance the beauty and interest of your grounds, but provide you with a feeling of self-accomplishment and an everlasting sense of fulfilling your obligation to nature.
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