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Native Plant Advocate

Native plant gardening for rewilding, protecting ecosystems, wildlife, pollinators

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Native Shrubs

Native Shrubs for a Privacy Screen or Hedge

June 14, 2023 by Andrew Walsh Leave a Comment

Homeowners often wish for a privacy hedge or screen for a variety of reasons: protecting an outdoor space from the gaze of neighbors, defining property boundaries, serving as a windbreak, hiding an unwanted view, or even deterring trespassers. Privacy hedges not only fulfill practical needs but also add aesthetic appeal to the landscape and provide […]

Filed Under: Plant Selection Tagged With: Invasive Species, Juniperus, Native Shrubs, Prunus

Have Boxwood Blight? Try a Native Shrub as Replacement

May 11, 2023 by Andrew Walsh Leave a Comment

Do you have one or more boxwood shrubs that are looking rough? Unfortunately, it’s not likely to be something recoverable, like minor freeze damage or run of the mill pest damage, but rather a devastating disease called boxwood blight. The good news is that there are some great native replacements for boxwoods that can bring […]

Filed Under: Plant Selection Tagged With: Evergreens, Native Garden Design, Native Shrubs

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus Sericea) Budding Out in Spring

April 5, 2023 by Andrew Walsh Leave a Comment

Recently I was excited to see some new leaves on my red osier dogwood (cornus sericea). These tiny light green leaves will darken as they enlarge to ovals of about 5 inches long. These leaves were spotted right at the beginning of April in SW Ohio. In general, the buds of cornus sericea will leaf […]

Filed Under: Plant Profiles Tagged With: Birds, Cornus (Dogwood), Host Plants, Native Shrubs, Spring

Thinking Big: Why You Need Trees and Shrubs in Your Native Plant Garden

January 20, 2023 by Andrew Walsh Leave a Comment

Many gardeners typically associate the idea of “native plants” with colorful and vibrant wildflowers. But when you’re looking to make a big impact, it’s native trees that give you the most bang for your buck, in multiple ways. Trees perform hugely beneficial functions for our own properties by providing shade. This helps with cooling in […]

Filed Under: Plant Selection Tagged With: Native Shrubs, Native Trees, Oaks (Quercus)

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About This Website

I'm Andrew, a home gardener who got fully obsessed with native plants during the pandemic and I'm now sharing my progress and what I've learned. My interests include utilizing natives in formal as well as naturalized settings, and using native trees and shrubs to support wildlife.

Recent Posts

  • March Garden Roundup: Plant Emergence and Growth (And Evergreen Natives?)
  • Photographing the Native Garden in Winter: Alternative Concepts of “Beauty” and Ecosystem Benefits
  • Spring vs. Fall: When Is the Best Time to Plant Native Perennials?
  • How Late Can I Plant or Transplant Native Plants in the Fall?
  • Why You Should Plant Native Grasses in Your Garden

Recent Comments

  • Neetsie on Best Pollinator-Friendly Native Plants for Shade Gardens
  • Neetsie on Best Pollinator-Friendly Native Plants for Shade Gardens
  • Beth Balentine on Will My Coneflower (Echinacea) Come Back if Eaten by Rabbits?
  • Andrew Walsh on Sedum Ternatum (Woodland Stonecrop), a Great Native, Evergreen Groundcover
  • Andrew Walsh on Aster Yellows in Native Plants: How to Diagnose and What to Do

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