A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Native Garden in Northern Virginia
Creating a native plant garden in Northern Virginia is a passion of mine. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also the best way I’ve found to support our local ecosystem. At Artscapes, we believe going native is the key to a thriving, low-maintenance landscape. Here are some of my go-to tips to get you started:
When to Plant
I’ve learned that timing is everything. The best times to plant a native garden in Northern Virginia are early spring and fall. Honestly, fall is my ideal choice. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall give the new plants time to establish strong roots before the ground freezes. That sets them up for a huge head start in the spring. Of course, spring is also a great time to plant, especially after the last frost, as many nurseries will have a wide selection available.
Pick Your Perfect Spot
Before you even think about buying plants, observe your yard. Where does the sun hit? Is the soil wet or dry? Are there any slopes? Understanding these conditions is the first step. For example, a sunny, dry spot in the garden is perfect for plants like Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta). A shady, moist area might be better for Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
Black Eyed Susan
Eastern Red Columbine
Clear Out Invaders
Native plants require space to grow without competing with invasive, non-native species. Take the time to remove any unwanted or invasive plants, such as English Ivy or Periwinkle, first. This gives your new garden a fresh start and allows your native species to thrive without a fight.
English Ivy
Periwinkle
Choose Native Plants
Select plants that naturally thrive in our area, like grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs. Look for ones that fit your chosen spot's conditions! I suggest starting with some Northern Virginia favorites like Purple Coneflower or Bee Balm for their beauty and their ability to attract pollinators.
Purple Coneflower
Bee Balm
Give Them Space
Give your plants enough room to spread out and mature! My rule of thumb is to plant smaller plants about 12-18 inches apart and larger shrubs about 3 feet apart. This allows them to grow big and healthy, preventing them from becoming overcrowded.
Protect Young Plants
If deer are a concern in your neighborhood, a simple cage or netting can help protect your new plants until they are established and strong enough to stand on their own. I’ve noticed that once established, many native plants are naturally more resistant to deer.
Water Smart
After planting, give your new garden a deep watering. After that, you can usually let nature take over! Native plants are adapted to our climate, making them very drought-tolerant once established. Just keep an eye on it for the first few weeks and manage any new weeds that pop up.
Source Locally
Sourcing locally ensures you get plants that are genetically best suited for our specific regional conditions. When I'm at the nursery, I always ask for the full plant name (Latin too!) and consider local native nurseries like Earth Sangha for the best start.
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Need help designing a beautiful and sustainable native plant garden? My team at Artscapes would love to help. Contact us today to get started!