Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Curious about adding native plants to your yard but aren’t sure where to start? Now that it’s fall, it’s the best season for planting.
For inspiration, we asked native plant enthusiasts in Virginia to share their before and after landscaping photos.
In 2020, Rea Manderino, of Fredericksburg, wanted to replace the sloped backyard lawn by her patio.
Out went the grass.
In went three garden tiers. By the summer of
2022, greenery filled the mini-meadows.
This spring, blue wild indigo
(Baptisia australis) and Virginia blue flag
(Iris virginica) were in full bloom.
And in July, goldfinches enjoyed the wild
bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) next to pink
blooms of hollow Joe-pyeweed
(Eutrochium fistulosm).
She began planting native plants in its place.
The new plants include obedient (Physostegia virginiana) plant (pictured above), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), mountain mint (Pycnanthemum incanum) and partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata).
She said she’s thrilled it’s “full of life” – including wildlife like the chipmunks and butterflies.
Learn more about native plants on our website.
Categories
Conservation | Native Plants | Natural Heritage | Nature
Tags
native plants | pollinator
