10 Shrubs That Add Interest to Any Yard

10 Shrubs That Add Interest to Any Yard

Spring is officially here (or at least it is if you’re reading this as it’s published), and you’re likely itching to get in the dirt and make your outdoor spaces greener. 

But, you likely also run into the same problems that most of us do. What do I actually plant? And, how do I know if it can be planted this time of year? 

The Nashville area is in the 7b zone of the USDA’s plant hardiness zone map. Hardiness zones are based on an area’s average lowest extreme temperature. So, in the case of the Nashville area, that would be 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to check the labels on plants, as they normally indicate the zone for which they are best adapted.

Now that you know more about hardiness levels, it’s time to look for some inspiration! Here are 10 shrubs and trees that will add interest to your yard in any season:

Hydrangea

This shrub is a favorite, especially in the south, because of the beautiful, large blooms it produces. There are several varieties of hydrangeas, but the oak leaf hydrangea is native to Tennessee. It has cone-shaped blooms, as well as large leaves shaped similarly to those of an oak tree (hence the name). Hydrangeas can be prone to root rot, so make sure you’re checking soil moisture levels before watering.

Looking for more information on the beloved hydrangea? Check out our post for the full guide to caring for these southern beauties!

Boxwood

When you think of bushes in landscaping, the boxwood is probably what first comes to mind. While this classic shrub isn’t native to North America, it’s a classic in landscaping worldwide. That’s thanks to the boxwood’s many varieties being easy to grow, adaptable to different conditions, and its overall hardiness.

Holly

Holly comes in both shrub and tree forms with their glossy green leaves. They also have blooms that pollinators love, and then there’s the classic holly berry that’s reminiscent of Christmas time. They also come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties. So, if you’re looking for something to keep your outdoor spaces green year round, make sure you’re planting an evergreen variety. (Inkberry holly can be a great native alternative to boxwoods.)

American Beautyberry

As the name suggests, this shrub is native to America, and is also native to Tennessee. It does produce small flowers in the spring, but the crown jewel of this shrub is the bright purple berry clusters it yields in the fall. If you’re looking to welcome more wildlife, like birds and deer, the fruits of this shrub should do the trick. The American beautyberry tends to grow wide, so it can also be a great option if you’re looking to fill more space with fewer plants.

Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtles come in shrub and tree varieties, but you’re likely most familiar with the trees. These are popular plants in the southeast, and you’ve likely seen them in neighboring yards or even along well-kempt highways and interstates. While the varieties that grow best in this area aren’t evergreen, crape myrtles do provide interest to outdoor spaces year round. They produce leaves in the spring, and they have beautiful exfoliating bark – much like a birch tree – that is exposed in the late fall and winter months. They flower in the summer with blooms that can be white, pink, red or even deep purple.

Rhododendron

If you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains, then you’ll probably recognize this plant. It comes in shrub and tree varieties, most of which are evergreen. They do best away from direct afternoon sun and thrive in partly shaded areas. These shrubs and trees have green leaves and normally flower in the spring or early summer. (Even if you’re unfamiliar with rhododendron in general, you’re likely familiar with another popular shrub in the same genus – azaleas!)

Eastern Redbud

redbud

This one is a personal favorite of mine, especially since it’s one of the first signs of spring. While the eastern redbud is a tree, it is a smaller one that can pass for a large shrub depending on how you shape it. This plant is known and loved for its deep pink, springtime flowers, as well as its irregular and wide branch patterns. This eastern North American native provides nectar to insects in the spring, and is often used by birds for nesting and shelter once leaves take over the branches. It’s a wonderful option to fill wide spaces and provide a bright pop of color in the spring.

Cherry Laurel

photo from North Carolina State Extension

This shrub is one of the fastest growing, and it’s also likely another shrub you’ve seen around. This evergreen bush produces fragrant, white flowers in the spring and has large leaves year round. The cherry laurel also yields fruit that resembles a cherry. It is important to note that ingesting any part of this plant is poisonous to both humans and animals. If you have small children or curious pets, this shrub is likely not a good choice for your landscaping.

Juniper

Whether or not you know it, you probably see junipers anytime you leave your house. These evergreen shrubs and trees grow in most of the United States. The juniper tends to be low maintenance and provides color and privacy to your yard all year long. They fit well in tight spaces, help prevent soil erosion, and even provide for wildlife with their small berries.

Abelia

photo from North Carolina State Extension

If you’re searching for another flowering shrub, abelia might be the right choice for you. Part of the honeysuckle family, this shrub produces small but plentiful blooms with a sweet smell. While not native to North America, these flowering shrubs are still a favorite among southern gardeners. The abelia is often dense and can sometimes be used as hedging or screening, unlike many flowering shrubs. They also tend to need a little more care when it comes to watering and pruning to ensure optimal growth and flowering.

Now that you’ve made it to the bottom of this list, you have plenty of options for shrubs (and some trees) to enhance your outdoor spaces this year. Happy planting!

Need more inspiration, or even some design help? We’re all about making outdoor spaces usable, beautiful and enjoyable. Come see us at the garden center to get your questions answered, or schedule an appointment with one of our designers!

Pets + plants: What’s safe? What’s not?

Pets + plants: What’s safe? What’s not?

As fall arrives, you may turn your attention to growing plants indoors. If you share your space with curious cats or a pup that likes to chew on everything, keep in mind that some houseplants pose a risk. Toxicity in some plants can cause a variety of ailments, ranging from irritation and stomach distress to more serious neurological symptoms – and possibly even death.

The lists below show you common houseplants (adapted from a much longer list provided by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) that, if you display them in your home, should be kept out of a pet’s reach as well as a list of pet safe plants.

This information from ASPCA tells what to watch for:  

Five Favorite Houseplants Toxic to Pets

Dracaena species (Corn plant, Dragon tree and other varieties): Symptoms include vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation. Cats pupils may become dilated. 

Jade plant: Watch for vomiting, depression or incoordination.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese plant): A nibble of this will cause intense irritation and burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, and excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, according to ASPCA.

Peace lily: Despite its soothing name, this plant also causes burning and irritation of the mouth, vomiting, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

Pothos: Devil’s Ivy is a common name for some varieties of Pothos. The mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting in this and many other toxic plants are caused by insoluble oxalates – essentially tiny needle-shaped crystals – in the foliage.

Pet Safe Houseplants

Of course not all plants are toxic; there are many that are perfectly safe for pets if they happen to try a nibble. Here are a dozen houseplant favorites, adapted from ASPCA’s much longer list at its website, that shouldn’t be a problem if Fluffy or Max tries a taste. And since there may be different plants that go by the same common name, knowing the plant’s botanical name helps to know you’ve made the right choice. 

African violet (Saintpaulia species); Boston fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis); Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior); Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera species, also called holiday cactus, Thanksgiving cactus; Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa); Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis);

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans); Peperomia (Peperomia species); Phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis species), also called Moth orchid); Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata); Shamrock (Oxalis regnellii); Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Keep your pets off your plants

If you share your home with pets and unsafe houseplants, the most obvious way to keep them apart is by putting the plants out of reach. That’s easier if the fur friend is a dog; cats pretty much go where they please, so putting a plant on a high shelf may still be asking for trouble.

In that case, diversion or distraction may be a good option. You may be able to train your pet to stay away from plants through positive reinforcement. Provide plenty of safe toys so they won’t be tempted to explore the plants. Try placing scented items that pets don’t like (one suggestion is citrus peels) in the pot. Give cats their own “garden” of cat grass – typically a mixture of wheat, barley, oats or rye grown indoors from seed – to nibble on so they will be less likely to explore your indoor garden. 

More on pet plant safety

The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center website has a comprehensive guide to plants that are poisonous and non-poisonous to pets (www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control). 

The ASPCA also offers a 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center helpline, 888-426-4435. A consultation fee may be charged, but the call could save an owner a trip to the ER, or save a pet’s life.

Creative Ideas for Indoor Plantscaping

Creative Ideas for Indoor Plantscaping

Indoor plants are more than just accessories for your interior spaces. They purify the air, add visual interest, and create a vibrant, welcoming ambiance. Bringing living organic greenery into your space softens the lines of your furniture, walls, and flooring in the way that a blanket does when draped over a chair. Plants bring balance to a room, and when just the right plant is chosen for the space, it can thrive and grow with you. So whether you are an interior designer or a plant mom or plant dad, we hope to give you some fresh ideas in the world of indoor plantscaping.

Levels and Layering

When arranging plants, consider using vertical space to add more depth and interest. Place plants of different heights on plant stands, shelves, furniture, and even hanging baskets. This tiered approach can help to draw the eye around the room and add visual appeal.

Container Creativity

The pots and containers you use can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your indoor garden. Consider unique pots in different shapes, sizes, and colors. The style and color of pot can help bring cohesiveness to the style of your home. Earthy terra cotta pots can bring a southwestern or European flare, whereas a black or white glazed pot works well in more modern spaces. If you love traditional and country spaces, woven baskets add a nice touch. Copper or gold containers can bring drama to a space that otherwise seems lackluster. Just be sure you consider the lining and drainage of each pot you’re using to meet the needs of the plant.

Mini Indoor Jungle

If you’re a lover of lush greenery, why not turn a corner of your home into a mini indoor jungle? Choose a variety of plants with varying textures and shades of green to mimic the feel of a jungle. Large-leafed plants like Monstera and Fiddle-Leaf Fig can be great additions to this setup.

Plant Groupings

Consider clustering similar types of plants together for visual impact. For instance, you can create a succulent corner or a cacti collection on a sunny windowsill. Grouping plants with similar light and watering needs also make it easier to care for them.

Indoor Herb Garden

For the culinary enthusiast, why not incorporate an indoor herb garden into your kitchen space? Not only will this bring an element of nature into your home, but it also provides a readily available supply of fresh herbs for your cooking. Great potted herbs to try in your kitchen are rosemary, basil, mint, and cilantro. New to herb gardening? We have helpful info here to get you started!

Creative Use of Space

Don’t limit your indoor plants to the floor or tabletops. Utilize all available spaces including walls, ceilings, and stairs. Hanging macrame plant holders can help you with placement by windows when a plant needs more light. Plants that grow in an upward vining nature can be trained up furniture and across walls.

Terrariums and Miniature Gardens

Creating miniature landscapes in glass containers, also known as terrariums, can be a fantastic way to showcase your creativity. Choose small plants like mosses, ferns, and air plants for these mini ecosystems. These are often displayed as table centerpieces but also look fantastic in bathrooms and on windowsills.

Plants as Art

Also known as vertical gardens, living wall art can be designed with a variety of plants to create a vibrant tapestry of life. You can use different types of ferns, ivy, succulents, and even herbs depending on the light and watering conditions. One can also opt for air plants, as they require minimal maintenance.  Moss art is an excellent option for those who want to incorporate greenery without having to worry about ongoing maintenance. Moss walls don’t require light or water, making them an excellent choice for rooms with limited natural light, such as a darker den or study. They are created using preserved moss and can be made in a variety of designs and patterns. A botanical designer can create a custom living wall or moss art wall that fits your space perfectly!

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to plantscaping. It’s a personal journey of exploring your creativity and discovering what works best for your space and lifestyle. Whether you have a green thumb or are a beginner at plant care, these ideas hopefully inspire you to create a living space that’s uniquely yours. Happy Plantscaping!

8 Rare Beauties in the Greenhouse

8 Rare Beauties in the Greenhouse

You’re ambling through the greenhouse at Gardens of Babylon and something big and unusual catches your eye: it’s a tropical beauty, spreading its big leaves out over the table of smaller tropicals for sale, as if giving shelter to the clutch of little ones until they’re purchased to go to their forever homes. 

This big beauty is a ‘Thai Constellation’ monstera, says Trevor Bradshaw, Gardens of Babylon’s creative director. And unlike the smaller monsteras and bromeliads available for purchase on the table, this one lives here, and it’s not for sale. It’s one of many unusual plants that have a permanent home at the Gardens of Babylon garden center, inside the greenhouses among the houseplants for purchase. Bradshaw gives a quick tour:

Walk through aisle between the fiddle-leaf figs and the bromeliads in the main greenhouse, look up, and you can’t miss the Elkhorn fern, a big globe of a plant that hangs like a chandelier above your head. “It’s an old one,” Bradshaw says. “Seems like it’s been here forever.” These fleshy ferns are native to tropical regions of South America, Asia and Australia, and thrive in the shaded, humid confines of the greenhouse.

The gemstone table near the checkout counter holds at least two living Philodendron gems: ‘Pink Princess’ and ‘Jose Buono.’ Both of these are climbing philodendrons with big, striking, variegated foliage: ‘Pink Princess’ has large, heart-shaped purplish-green leaves that are splashed with big splotches of bright pink. ‘Jose Buono’ has huge lime green leaves with patches of pale yellow. 

They’re both charmers, but can you purchase a small specimen for your own home? “We sometimes have them for sale,” Bradshaw says. “But they come in in small numbers, and they go quickly.” 

At the other end of that greenhouse is another monstera that sits on a table with its bright green foliage climbing toward the light coming through the greenhouse roof. It’s the yellow variegated ‘Aurea,’ whose large, fenestrated leaves are variegated with splotches of bright yellow. 

Nearby, toward the back, a Vanilla orchid climbs from a shelf to the ceiling, covering a portion of a wall. In the wild, this primitive orchid climbs and branches using short roots to attach to tree trunks. In the Gardens of Babylon greenhouse, the crew has provided that suitable wall where the vining orchid has climbed happily for years.   

Back in the main greenhouse, Bradshaw shows off a Thaumatophyllum selloum (formerly known as Philodendron selloum, Bradshaw explains). It’s also known by several other names: split-leaf philodendron, tree philodendron and others. The specimen at Gardens of Babylon grows its large, wide, deeply lobed leaves at the top of a tall trunk that, along with its with its winding, ropy roots on top of the soil, indicates that it’s an old soul.

While these are beautiful and unusual plant specimens, one thing shoppers and visitors notice most, Bradshaw says, is the “living wall” that covers about an 8 x 12-foot portion of the main greenhouse wall at the garden center. It’s an assemblage of common and rare beauties, all growing together to form a tapestry of colors and textures. There are ferns and anthuriums, several monsteras, bromeliads and epiphytes, common and rare philodendrons and much more.

The wall was built for a special event about three years ago, he recalls, then broken down and reassembled in the greenhouse, where it has charmed customers ever since.

“We think it’s the best living wall in Nashville,” Bradshaw says.

The next time you’re looking for houseplants to add to your collection, check out the rare and unusual not-for-sale specimens that thrive in the greenhouse at Gardens of Babylon garden center. There’s high demand for unusual plants these days, and Bradshaw advises checking the store’s social media (here and here) to know when rare plants do arrive for sale. 

The garden center is located at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., at the south end of the Nashville Farmer’s Market.  

5 Best Plants for Middle Tennessee Landscaping

5 Best Plants for Middle Tennessee Landscaping

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When it comes to landscaping in Middle Tennessee, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The first is that the climate can be hot and humid, so youll want to choose plants that can withstand that. The second is that the soil here is generally claybased, so youll want to avoid plants that need a lot of water or that are susceptible to root rot. With those things in mind, here are a few of the best landscaping plants for Middle Tennessee:

1. Crepe myrtle 

This heatloving plant is perfect for Middle Tennessee, as it can tolerate both the hot summers and the clay soil. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and can grow to be quite large, making it a great focal point for any landscaping design.

Crepe myrtle on a branch

2. Japanese holly

If youre looking for an evergreen that can add some yearround interest to your landscaping, Japanese holly is a great option. Its tolerant of both the heat and the clay soil, and it can be pruned into a variety of shapes, making it versatile for any landscape.

Three Japanese holly plant

3. Butterfly bush

Butterfly bush is a great choice for Middle Tennessee landscaping because it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, adding a touch of beauty to your yard. Its also tolerant of the heat and clay soil, and it can be pruned to keep it under control.

Butterfly bush flower

4. Oakleaf hydrangea

This native plant is perfect for Middle Tennessee, as it can tolerate both the heat and the clay soil. It has beautiful white blooms that appear in the summer, and its leaves change color in the fall, making it a great addition to any landscape.

Oakleaf hydrangea in a garden

5. Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is a heatloving plant that can add a touch of color to your Middle Tennessee landscape. It blooms in the summer, and its flowers can be white, pink, or purple, depending on the variety. Its also tolerant of the clay soil.

Rose of Sharon plant

With so many great options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect plants for your Middle Tennessee landscape. Just remember to choose plants that can tolerate the heat and clay soil, and you’ll be sure to have a beautiful yard that you can enjoy for years to come. If you are looking for plants that will thrive in your Middle Tennessee landscape, stop on into the gar den center – we’re stocked on all kinds of plants that will thrive in your landscaping.  Our staff can help you choose the perfect plants for your area! Or, to start designing the landscape of your dreams, schedule a consultation!