Native or Non-native: Different Plantings You Can Include in Your Landscape in the Jessup and Hanover, MD Areas

When designing a landscape in Jessup and Hanover, MD, the choice between native and non-native plantings often comes into play. Both types of plantings offer unique benefits and can coexist beautifully to create a diverse and vibrant garden. Here, we explore various native and non-native plantings you can incorporate into your landscape and the advantages of having both options in your landscape plan. 

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Native Plantings

Native plantings have evolved over thousands of years in local conditions and are adapted to the region’s soil, weather, and ecosystems. This makes them generally more resilient and able to thrive with less maintenance.

These plantings often serve as food and habitat for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. They can support a higher diversity and abundance of wildlife than non-native species, contributing to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

Since they’re adapted to local conditions, native plantings typically require less maintenance. They often need less water, fewer amendments, and are more resistant to pests and diseases compared to non-native species.

Black-Eyed Susan 

The Black-Eyed Susan is Maryland’s state flower and a beautiful addition to any garden. This robust plant blooms from May to October, featuring bright yellow petals surrounding a dark center. It attracts butterflies and is drought-tolerant.

Serviceberry 

The serviceberry is a small native tree that offers four-season interest. In spring, it’s adorned with delicate white flowers, followed by edible berries in summer. The leaves turn a stunning red-orange in fall, and its smooth, gray bark provides winter interest.

Eastern Redbud 

The Eastern Redbud bursts into vibrant pink-purple blooms in early spring. This small to medium-size tree can be a perfect for residential landscapes and offers a lovely contrast against evergreen backgrounds.

Non-Native Plants

Non-native plantings are species that have been introduced to the area from other regions. They can introduce unique colors, textures, and forms to your landscape and provide new options for aesthetic appeal, and can be used to create a particular theme or style.

Some of these plantings have different blooming periods than native ones and can provide extended blooming seasons. Incorporating these into your landscape can ensure you have color and interest in your garden throughout the year.

Certain non-native plants might provide benefits that are hard to find in native species. For instance, some might be particularly resistant to specific pests, or they may thrive in challenging conditions where native species struggle.

Crepe Myrtle 

Although not native to Maryland, Crepe Myrtle thrives in the region. Known for its showy summer blossoms, peeling bark, and brilliant fall color, it adds beauty to the landscape year-round.

Butterfly Bush

Native to China, the Butterfly Bush has made itself at home in American landscapes. It produces large, fragrant flower spikes throughout the summer, attracting a host of butterflies—hence its name.

Boxwood 

Boxwood shrubs, originating from Europe, Asia, and Africa, are a staple in many Maryland landscapes. They’re evergreen, offering year-round color, and are perfect for creating formal hedges or intricate topiary designs.

Balancing Native and Non-native Plantings

Combining native and non-native plantings in your landscape can offer the best of both worlds. Native plants support local ecosystems, while non-native plants can add an exotic touch or fulfill a specific design need.

Considerations for non-native plants should ideally include not selecting any that are invasive and that could harm local flora and fauna. 

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