At Garden for Wildlife, we love hearing from our customers and learning about their unique gardening journeys. Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Phil, a dedicated gardener who has transformed his yard in Georgia into a thriving habitat using native plants purchased from our company. Here’s his story.
Front of Phil's home - can you spot his adorable dog, Moxie?
Creating a Haven for Native Plants
When Phil and his wife moved into their first home, he decided to focus on native plants to create a unique and vibrant space. With a recent interest in gardening and a passion for creating a special environment, Phil was drawn to the natural beauty and low maintenance of native plants.
"Our yard is about a third of an acre," Phil explains. "Since I removed a lot of the overgrowth, it really opened up. I wanted to create a space that was different from the typical landscaping—something vibrant and full of life."
When asked about any potential issues with his Homeowners Association (HOA), Phil mentioned that he hasn't faced any problems. "You haven't faced any issues with them?" we asked, noting that HOAs can be a common hurdle for native gardeners. He replied, "None whatsoever. I just make sure to let them know if I'm going to be doing major work like removing trees or having a dumpster on the property."
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Front walkway bringing beautiful color
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Native Plants
Phil faced a couple of challenges as he embarked on his gardening project, mainly related to plant placement and soil requirements. Despite these hurdles, he found joy in watching his garden flourish.
"Last year, I kind of just sporadically put them around the lawn without thinking about the soil and watering requirements," Phil recalls. "So this year, I did a lot of work on the irrigation. I focused on placing the plants in the right spots, especially with the rain gardens, so they would thrive. Another challenge was not realizing how large some of the plants would grow. This year, I did a better job of spacing them out, knowing they would spread and fill in on their own."
Lanceleaf Coreopsis in full bloom
A Yard That Buzzes with Life
Phil’s dedication has paid off beautifully. His yard now attracts a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, hummingbirds, blue jays, and cardinals. The native plants have not only beautified his yard but have also provided essential resources for local wildlife.
"We've been getting a flurry of butterflies and hummingbirds. The birds love it, and it's just fun to sit back and watch them. The bees come around too, which is great for pollination," Phil shares with a smile.
Phil also notes the presence of monarch caterpillar larvae on his milkweed plants, which is neat to see. Some of his favorite plants include Lanceleaf Coreopsis and Scarlet Sage, which add vibrant colors and attract various pollinators.
The Motivation Behind the Garden
Phil’s motivation for focusing on native plants was both practical and personal. Initially, he didn't start his garden with wildlife in mind. "I wanted something different from the traditional landscaping. I wanted kind of a cottage garden look," he explains. Unable to find the selection he wanted locally, Phil turned to the internet. "I did some googling and thought about what would be natural for my area because I knew it would be easier to take care of and I wanted perennials. The idea of having a garden that would flourish year after year with minimal maintenance was very appealing."
As Phil researched more about native plants, he discovered their benefits for local ecosystems. "Once I found Garden for Wildlife, I started to realize the wildlife that it would bring, and it made it more worthwhile," he adds.
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One of the three rain gardens Phil created
Future Plans and Community Impact
Looking ahead, Phil hopes to inspire others in his community to embrace native gardening. He has already noticed neighbors showing interest in his garden, and he’s eager to share his knowledge and experiences with them.
Phil plans to order more plants in the fall to start planting shrubs for additional privacy and fill in spaces with groundcovers. He notes that he appreciates Frogfruit as a groundcover because it can be walked on and it easily bounces back.
"I definitely tell people about Garden for Wildlife. I hope more local areas will use native plants in public spaces. It would be great to see more government efforts to support pollinators and wildlife," Phil says.
Final Thoughts: the Power of Planting Native
Phil’s story is a testament to the impact that native plants can have on both personal spaces and local ecosystems. His yard is a beautiful example of how thoughtful planting can create a haven for wildlife while providing endless enjoyment for the gardener.
At Garden for Wildlife, we are thrilled to be a part of Phil’s journey and look forward to seeing his garden continue to grow. If you’re inspired by Phil’s story, explore our selection of native plants and start your own gardening adventure today.
A big thank you to Phil for his dedication to native gardening and for sharing his inspiring journey with us!