My identify is James Hughes, and I backyard in Suffolk County, Lengthy Island, New York. My focus tends to be on utilizing coastal natives in artistic (hopefully) methods. Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica, Zones 3–7), seaside plum (Prunus maritima, Zones 3–8), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), cedar (Juniperus virginiana, Zones 2–9), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium, Zones 3–9), and blueberry (each excessive and low, Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium angustifolium, Zones 3–8) make up the spine of my backyard. That stated, I’m not against utilizing some exotics right here and there.
I’ve loved utilizing some natives that don’t at all times discover properties in our landscapes, reminiscent of Nantucket serviceberry (Amelanchier nantucketensis, Zones 3–6), swamp rose (Rosa palustris, Zones 4–9), groundsel bush (Baccharis halimifolia, Zones 5–10), and sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina, Zones 2–6). The birds love ’em! I’ve additionally loved incorporating herbs into the panorama, as they’re low upkeep and lend a beachy vibe.
Included in my photographs are my customized shou sugi ban wave-themed backyard gate and fish-themed backyard bench (full with beer holder). In some way I managed to make each with out by accident burning down the storage!
By way of failures, there have been loads, however I attempt to not concentrate on them an excessive amount of—one other manner wherein gardening is a metaphor for all times, I suppose.
Lovely guests reminiscent of butterflies are one of many rewards for having a native-focused backyard.
Seaside plum has a gorgeous spring show of white flowers adopted by tasty fruits.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa, Zones 4–9) blooms in entrance of a cloud of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’, Zones 3–9).
The wave-themed gate was created with the normal Japanese strategy of shou sugi ban, which entails charring the floor of the wooden to protect it.
Vast view of the backyard, feeling wild and filled with flowers.
This bayberry is displaying its namesake berries, whose silvery-blue shade is created by a layer of aromatic wax.
Blooming thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Zones 5–9) is without doubt one of the herbs on this panorama.
And the fish bench—full with a beer holder!
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