Landscaping: Plant Selection
Plant selection is probably the most critical component of landscape design. While owners on Spring Island are not required by the HRB Guidelines to use only native plants, native plants are required on some portions of the property. The Trust encourages the use of native plants to as great an extent as possible. Owners should become familiar with the habitat type of their property (existing plants, soil type, sun exposure…) and choose native plants appropriate for these conditions. By choosing appropriate native plants for the landscape the odds for plant survival are greatly increased, and the cost of maintenance is decreased. Native plants are adapted to local soil, pests, and climactic conditions. This means that once they are established they will require less supplemental watering, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native exotics. Native plants are also important for attracting desireable local wildlife such as birds, bees, and butterflies. See the links below for lists of native plants for the landscape, as well as lists of plants for specific purposes and a partial list of nurseries carrying native plants. If you have questions regarding landscaping with native plants, please contact the Trust Landscape Ecologist, Karl Ohlandt, at 843-987-2016. Native Plant List 2008 |
