Graphics by Extension Master Gardener Evin Morrison
The beds in the Small Space Garden are being redesigned to showcase native plants appropriate for patios and other small spaces, for varying conditions of sun, part sun, and shade. Each of the designs will be posted and made available to gardeners who would like to duplicate the design in their own gardens.
Small Sunny Bed | Large Sunny Bed | Formal Native Plant Bed
Small Sunny Bed 2022 (Printable pdf)
Designed by Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills
These plants were chosen for their more compact size, their preference for a sunny location, and their tolerance of drier soil conditions. I was also aiming for species and cultivars that will create a sequence of bloom and provide good wildlife support as sources of nectar, pollen, seeds, and fruit. Some of them can also serve as host plants for Lepidoptera.
Large Sunny Bed 2022 (Printable pdf)
Designed by Elaine Mills & Alyssa Ford Morel
This bed was envisioned as a modern mix of locally native perennials and vines combined with edibles, both herbs and fruits. The native plants were chosen to provide beauty, support for pollinators, and to echo the adjacent bed. The two beds work either together or separately.
Formal Native Plant Foundation Bed (Printable pdf)
Designed by Extension Master Gardeners Angela McNamara and Leslie Cameron
This bed reflects a more symmetrical design, appropriate for foundation beds and other settings where a more formal look is desired. All the plants selected are straight native plants (not cultivars), chosen for their pollinator and other wildlife support as well as beauty in a more formal layout. For more on ongoing research comparing straight native plants and cultivars, see: https://mgnv.org/climate-change/making-wise-plant-choices-part-3-cultivars/
