Community
Foundation Plant Suggestions
The links below lists shrubs, perennials and ground covers that were prepared from a list prepared by Carole Ann Barth, Environmental Planner, PPD, Dept. of Environmental Resources for a course in Bioretention Facilities. These are plants native to our area of Maryland and are thus more likely to survive in our environment. Keep in mind that many elements affect your site. Foundations tend to be alkaline, and acid loving plants such as azaleas will need proper acidifying fertilizers to keep them happy. Our soil tends toward clay, and you should work compost or humus into it before planting. Sun reflected from adjacent buildings brightens a site, while shade from trees or nearby shrubs might darken the area so all but ferns and some ground covers will grow. These can be lovely. Be aware, too, that flowers attract bees; and berries, while they bring birds, will fall to the ground. Consider the proximity of sidewalks before you plant! Think, too, about the MATURE size of the plant! Cute little baby shrubs can cover a window when they grow up. (Plant at least 3’ away from the foundation for root spread.) Finally, PLEASE DO NOT PLANT ANYTHING FROM THE INVASIVE SPECIES LIST. Invasive plants are a major problem as they spread to wild areas and crowd out native plants. Some, such as English ivy, porcelain berry, Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and mile a minute vine, which are rampant in woods here, will pull down a tree!. You need not eliminate a plant that is not on this list. Just know your site and talk to the nursery people before you buy something. Library books and Web sites have great pictures and will give you more detail about plant requirements. Also we will be adding more information here in the future.
Plant Suggestions
Forest Farm is a good source for mail-order plants.