Low Country Landscaping Ideas

Permaculture Landscaping

• Permaculture landscaping is the design of ecological landscapes that produce food, with an emphasis placed on multi-use plants. The sub-tropical climate of the Low Country permits the growing of typical southern fruit and nut trees such as orange, figs, pecan and even banana trees. These perennials provide years of fruit and shade. Jerusalem artichokes and grapes are also perennial fruit plants that can grow and thrive in the Low Country. During the occasional dry spell, it may be necessary to give your perennial fruit trees additional water. Depending on the species, fruit trees can require a fair amount of consistent watering.

Native Plant Landscaping

• There are many native plants that have had thousands of years of adapt to the hot summers and cool, dry winters of the Low Country. Landscaping with these trees, shrubs and other plants will help lower water requirements and maintenance needed to help keep the flora healthy. This is because these native species are used to the monsoon-like summer rains and winter dry spells. Some popular native Low Country plants include palmetto palms, wisteria, azaleas and bottle brush shrubs. Providing a natural landscape full of blossoms and blooms, these native plants are some of the most practical, yet attractive, Low Country landscaping options.

Bird Garden Landscaping

• Many types of birds call the Low Country home, including some very colorful and beautiful species such as egrets, blue herons and finches. Landscaping with plants that attract these birds creates a lively and vibrant landscape. Adding a water area such as a lake or pond will help bring common water birds such as herons and Muscovy ducks into the landscape equation as well as give them a place to swim and drink. Plants that produce edible seeds such as sunflowers and globe thistles offer both food and shelter for the birds, and make a nice addition to many Low Country landscapes. The same can be said of plants that yield berries, such as blackberry and blueberry bushes.