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CATEGORIZED LISTS FOR CHOOSING YOUR PLANTS
CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED. If you would like some guidance when planning your gardens, we have created lists of many of our popular plant categories to make your planning & purchasing easier. Note that these are general guides of plants typically grown by Painters, but you'll want to check our current availability list to be sure we offer them this season.
30 Shade-Loving Native Plants
Many of us have shady areas, or perhaps an entire yard of shade. There are many species of plants including an array of beautiful natives that thrive in shade, and we've highlighted 30 varieties of trees, shrubs, flowering perennials, groundcovers, and grasses.
Many of us have shady areas, or perhaps an entire yard of shade. There are many species of plants including an array of beautiful natives that thrive in shade, and we've highlighted 30 varieties of trees, shrubs, flowering perennials, groundcovers, and grasses.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
10 Favorite Perennials for Fall Color
Fall blooming perennials are a great way to add color and interest to your garden year after year. They are hardy, low-maintenance growers that start to bloom when most of summer's flowers are fading and serve as a great source of food for pollinators through the fall.
Fall blooming perennials are a great way to add color and interest to your garden year after year. They are hardy, low-maintenance growers that start to bloom when most of summer's flowers are fading and serve as a great source of food for pollinators through the fall.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Categorized Lists
Including basic categorizations such as native, aquatic or vegetable, as well as more specific lists such as drought tolerant, shade garden and butterfly garden.
Including basic categorizations such as native, aquatic or vegetable, as well as more specific lists such as drought tolerant, shade garden and butterfly garden.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Pollinator Plants
A full list of pollinator-friendly plants grown at Painters, including natives, non-natives, perennials & annuals to give you a lot of choices for gardening with pollinators in mind.
A full list of pollinator-friendly plants grown at Painters, including natives, non-natives, perennials & annuals to give you a lot of choices for gardening with pollinators in mind.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Deer Resistant Plants
Our most frequently requested list!
Our most frequently requested list!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Shade Gardening
Explore the wide variety of plants suitable for shade.
Explore the wide variety of plants suitable for shade.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
NATIVE PLANTS
Planting native plants is very important for local wildlife, and attracting bees and other beneficial insects will in turn provide enhanced pollination and improved garden health. Regional insects and wildlife have co-evolved with native plants; many of these plants provide needed food and shelter for these species (you will also find that many native plants are more resistant than non-natives to mammal pests as a result of this co-evolution). Insects have specific dietary needs which require those plants with which they have co-evolved. You can help support wildlife and the productivity of your gardens if you incorporate natives into your landscape.
NC Native Plants by Season and Color
All of these native plants are perennials and should return each year if planted properly. They all attract pollinators, provide a food source, and are available commercially. If your local nursery does not sell these native plants – encourage them to do so!
All of these native plants are perennials and should return each year if planted properly. They all attract pollinators, provide a food source, and are available commercially. If your local nursery does not sell these native plants – encourage them to do so!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Native Pollinator Plants for North Carolina
Explore North Carolina's top 25 native pollinator plants.
Explore North Carolina's top 25 native pollinator plants.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Native Pollinator Plants by Season of Bloom
Extended list of forage and host plants for bees, butterflies and moths.
Extended list of forage and host plants for bees, butterflies and moths.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Native Straight Species vs. Nativars
What's better - native straight species or nativars, which do pollinators prefer, and what the heck is the difference anyway?
What's better - native straight species or nativars, which do pollinators prefer, and what the heck is the difference anyway?
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Be the first to hear about new plants, sales and special events!
SUPPORTING POLLINATORS & WILDLIFE
You’ve probably heard about the decline of our native bee populations – there is concern that some of our agricultural practices (use of pesticides, genetically modified crops, etc) are partly at fault. Bees play a critical role in our own food production, so even if you aren’t a big bee fan, helping bees helps us all!
Creating Beautiful and Beneficial Wildlife Habitats
Let’s “relate people to plants - a wildlife garden can be just as attractive to people as it is to wildlife!” (A quote from the National Wildlife Federation that we wholeheartedly agree with!)
Let’s “relate people to plants - a wildlife garden can be just as attractive to people as it is to wildlife!” (A quote from the National Wildlife Federation that we wholeheartedly agree with!)
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Bee City USA
Click to join the cities and campuses across the country rallying to protect pollinators and create positive change.
Click to join the cities and campuses across the country rallying to protect pollinators and create positive change.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Creating Bird Friendly Communities
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Support Monarch Butterflies
Monarchs require milkweed during all stages of their life cycle. Learn what other plants help support this endangered pollinator.
Monarchs require milkweed during all stages of their life cycle. Learn what other plants help support this endangered pollinator.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Pollinator Friendly Plants
View the full list of important landscape plants for pollinators.
View the full list of important landscape plants for pollinators.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
'Bee Friendly" - How You Can Help Save the Bees
Learn which plants are most attractive to bees based on color and bloom time and view a full list of bee-friendly natives.
Learn which plants are most attractive to bees based on color and bloom time and view a full list of bee-friendly natives.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Guide to a Bird-Friendly Backyard
Supporting native birds and creating habitat corridors for them is very important. You can be part of the movement by growing native plants in your yard.
Supporting native birds and creating habitat corridors for them is very important. You can be part of the movement by growing native plants in your yard.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
EDIBLE GARDENING
Be the first to hear about new plants, sales and special events!
How to Grow a Thriving Herb Garden
Herbs are an excellent addition to any home garden. Not only do they complement dishes with delicious flavors, many contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, help with disease prevention, and reduce inflammation in the human body. Learn how you can help your herbs thrive!
Herbs are an excellent addition to any home garden. Not only do they complement dishes with delicious flavors, many contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, help with disease prevention, and reduce inflammation in the human body. Learn how you can help your herbs thrive!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Edible Landscaping
When people think about growing food the first idea is usually to hide the vegetable garden somewhere in the backyard. Edible landscaping offers an alternative to conventional residential landscapes - incorporating edible plants into existing gardens!
When people think about growing food the first idea is usually to hide the vegetable garden somewhere in the backyard. Edible landscaping offers an alternative to conventional residential landscapes - incorporating edible plants into existing gardens!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Vegetable Gardening Handout
Everything you need to know to start planning your vegetable garden. Including where to plant, planting times, how to plant, companion plants, harvest times, and more!
Everything you need to know to start planning your vegetable garden. Including where to plant, planting times, how to plant, companion plants, harvest times, and more!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Edibles in Small Spaces
Your guide to growing edibles in raised beds and containers.
Your guide to growing edibles in raised beds and containers.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
The Many Benefits of Herbs
Want to repel mosquitos naturally? Interested in making your own herbals tea? Want to learn about the medicinal benefits of some common herbs? Click below!
Want to repel mosquitos naturally? Interested in making your own herbals tea? Want to learn about the medicinal benefits of some common herbs? Click below!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
The Original Painter’s Pesto
Delicious recipes for the original Painters pesto and zesty cilantro pesto!
Delicious recipes for the original Painters pesto and zesty cilantro pesto!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Garden with Your Kids
Explore fun ways to share the magic of plants and gardening with the children in your life.
Explore fun ways to share the magic of plants and gardening with the children in your life.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
PEST CONTROL
Be the first to hear about new plants, sales and special events!
Pest Identification and Treatment
Struggling with garden pests? check out the button below for helpful handout!
Struggling with garden pests? check out the button below for helpful handout!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
TREES & SHRUBS
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Your Complete Guide to Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a deciduous shrub that can flower from spring through summer and oftentimes into fall. Learn which variety fits your location, planting, & pruning.
Hydrangeas are a deciduous shrub that can flower from spring through summer and oftentimes into fall. Learn which variety fits your location, planting, & pruning.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
How to Plant a Container-Grown Tree or Shrub
Did you know fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs? Trees and shrubs planted in the fall will have time to settle in before the first frost and develop larger root systems which will benefit them next spring. Click to see a video on how to plant!
Did you know fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs? Trees and shrubs planted in the fall will have time to settle in before the first frost and develop larger root systems which will benefit them next spring. Click to see a video on how to plant!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Black Walnut Toxicity - What Is It and What It Means for You
Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a common tree in our area that also causes gardeners some challenges. The roots, branches and leaves of the black walnut tree release a chemical called juglone into the soil, discouraging the growth of other plants nearby.
Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a common tree in our area that also causes gardeners some challenges. The roots, branches and leaves of the black walnut tree release a chemical called juglone into the soil, discouraging the growth of other plants nearby.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Dogwood Anthracnose: How to Keep Your New Dogwoods Safe from this Fungal Disease
Did you know there's a disease caused by a fungus that has been spreading among our native dogwoods? Dogwood anthracnose has caused serious losses to flowering dogwoods found in the forest and as ornamental plantings in the Eastern and Southern United States.
Did you know there's a disease caused by a fungus that has been spreading among our native dogwoods? Dogwood anthracnose has caused serious losses to flowering dogwoods found in the forest and as ornamental plantings in the Eastern and Southern United States.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
11 Trees & Shrubs to Add Color to Your Fall Landscape
We have so many shrubs and trees we love for fall color - both due to their foliage as well as berries! Our list includes what makes it special to us as well as growing details to know if it's a fit for your location.
We have so many shrubs and trees we love for fall color - both due to their foliage as well as berries! Our list includes what makes it special to us as well as growing details to know if it's a fit for your location.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Tree & Shrubs Planting Guidelines
For those of you who haven't done much landscaping with larger perennials, or if you are uncertain of the specific needs for your new purchase, click below for a handout covering the basics of how to plant shrubs and trees as well as our plant guarantee for such items.
For those of you who haven't done much landscaping with larger perennials, or if you are uncertain of the specific needs for your new purchase, click below for a handout covering the basics of how to plant shrubs and trees as well as our plant guarantee for such items.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Guide to Mulching
Mulching can save a lot of work in the long run. Mulching can literally reduce weed problems by up to 90% and watering needs by up to 50% if done properly and maintained. Visit the link below for detailed information to ensure you are properly mulching.
Mulching can save a lot of work in the long run. Mulching can literally reduce weed problems by up to 90% and watering needs by up to 50% if done properly and maintained. Visit the link below for detailed information to ensure you are properly mulching.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
CONSERVATION
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Xeric Gardening
In addition to mulching, here are a few other ways to conserve water and create a garden that has low water needs (and therefore requires less time).
In addition to mulching, here are a few other ways to conserve water and create a garden that has low water needs (and therefore requires less time).
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Gardening with Water Conservation in Mind
An excellent guide to gardening with water conservation in mind, including ideas for low-maintenance plantings, easy ways to set up automatic watering, and ways to save water on your lawns.
An excellent guide to gardening with water conservation in mind, including ideas for low-maintenance plantings, easy ways to set up automatic watering, and ways to save water on your lawns.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
HOUSEPLANTS
Be the first to hear about new plants, sales and special events!
Understanding Houseplant Light Requirements
Houseplants need only a few things to thrive including water, nutrients, and light. It’s a simple equation, but getting the right balance of each can be difficult - especially when it comes to light. Click to learn about common light terms and discuss where to find each kind of light in your home
Houseplants need only a few things to thrive including water, nutrients, and light. It’s a simple equation, but getting the right balance of each can be difficult - especially when it comes to light. Click to learn about common light terms and discuss where to find each kind of light in your home
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Pet Friendly Plants
You don't have to choose between your four legged friends or your love for houseplants. Here is a list of great pet-friendly houseplants as well as plants to avoid.
You don't have to choose between your four legged friends or your love for houseplants. Here is a list of great pet-friendly houseplants as well as plants to avoid.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
16 Pet-Safe Houseplants You & Your Four-Legged Friends Can Enjoy
Many of us love plant babies in addition to our furbabies... so we've made a list of our pet safe favorites! (We also mark our plant signs accordingly.) Click below to see our guide!
Many of us love plant babies in addition to our furbabies... so we've made a list of our pet safe favorites! (We also mark our plant signs accordingly.) Click below to see our guide!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Should You Fertilize Your Houseplants in Winter?
Houseplants rely on fertilizer to acquire the nutrients they need to thrive. During the growing season, April - October, it is recommended that you fertilize your houseplants every two week... but what should you do in winter?
Houseplants rely on fertilizer to acquire the nutrients they need to thrive. During the growing season, April - October, it is recommended that you fertilize your houseplants every two week... but what should you do in winter?
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
COMPOSTING
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Composting 101
Compost is organic material that can be used to improve soil and create a better medium for gardening. Learn how!
Compost is organic material that can be used to improve soil and create a better medium for gardening. Learn how!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Backyard Composting of Yard, Garden, and Food Discards
A detailed handout from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
A detailed handout from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
The Benefits of Worm Castings
Over 100 years ago, Charles Darwin observed the action of earthworms and the benefit of the castings they produced. Learn more about it and why worm castings are used in gardening today!
Over 100 years ago, Charles Darwin observed the action of earthworms and the benefit of the castings they produced. Learn more about it and why worm castings are used in gardening today!
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.
Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage
Click for step-by-step directions on how to use worms for composting, creating an improved fertilizer and soil amendment that can even deter pests. Vermiculture is very easy and can be done in small spaces and even inside.
Click for step-by-step directions on how to use worms for composting, creating an improved fertilizer and soil amendment that can even deter pests. Vermiculture is very easy and can be done in small spaces and even inside.
As a strategic initiative of the National Audubon Society, this program takes a full life-cycle approach to the conservation of North American birds by focusing on the protection of key sites and habitats that birds require at critical points in their annual cycle.