Landscaping with Native Plants
To promote the use of native plants in gardens and landscapes, TN-IPC developed a set of three brochures in the 1990s, each designed specifically for East, Middle, and West Tennessee. These popular brochures were recently revised and consolidated into a single statewide document for easier use and wider application. The new version retains most of the original informative features including physiographic province details and comprehensive plant listings with culture specifications for woody species plus a greatly expanded selection of garden-worthy herbaceous perennials.
Landscape Alternatives for Invasive Plants
TN-IPC developed “Tennessee’s Native Plant Alternatives to Non-Native Invasives: A Garden & Landscape Guide” to encourage gardeners and landscapers to avoid invasive plant species still sold as ornamentals in nurseries and garden centers. This brochure suggests native plants whose desirable aesthetic or practical characteristics make them appropriate replacements.
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Native Plant Alternatives Brochure |
Homeowners Invasive Plant Primer
This new step-by-step guide from TN-IPC carefully walks homeowners through the process of identifying invasive plants in the residential landscape and helps them select the best solution for effective and lasting control. Paired with our Landscaping brochures above, “Invasive Plant Primer for the Home Landscape” outlines the best way to move from a lifeless yard choked with invasive plants to an ecologically functional landscape of diverse native plants supporting area wildlife. Local television show, Tennessee’s Wild Side, recently featured TN-IPC’s homeowners primer. View the segment here.
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Homeowners Invasive Plant Primer |
Native Plant Resources
Post-Fire Planting Guide for Gatlinburg, TN
TN-IPC and Tennessee Native Plant Society developed the following landscape planting guide for residents in and around Gatlinburg, TN, affect by the wildfires in December 2016. This document points out 11 invasive plant species most likely to take advantage of this disturbance and how to recognize them as seedlings and young plants. In addition, it suggests several ornamental native plants as alternatives to the invasive species. Other agencies and organizations are also posting this document on their Web sites, including Tennessee Native Plant Society, Sevier County Master Gardeners Association, Friends of the Smokies, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Sevier County Wild Ones, and Burn Safe Tennessee. Download the Gatlinburg Post-fire Planting Guide.
Native Plant Gardening Reading List
This list of local, regional, and national books provides a wealth of information for gardeners and landscapers interested in using native plants. Reading List.
TVA Shoreline Stabilization
This site contains plant lists and fact sheets featuring native plants for home owners. TVA Shoreline Stabilization
Tennessee Nurseries
These nurseries carry a wide variety of plants native to the state and the Southeast.
| East Tennessee | Middle Tennessee | West Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Overhill Gardens | GroWild | GardensOyVey |
| Shy Valley Farm | Nashville Natives | Trees by Touliatos |
| Tennessee Naturescapes |
Botanical Gardens’ and Nature Centers’ Native Plant Sales
East Tennessee
Ijams Nature Center (Knoxville) — October
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center — two sales, mid-April and mid-September
Middle Tennessee
Cheekwood Botanical Garden (Nashville) — late March/early April
West Tennessee
Dixon Gallery and Gardens (Memphis) — April
Lichterman Nature Center (Memphis) — mid-April
Native Plant Landscaping Conferences
The Cullowhee Conference: Native Plants in the Landscape is held each July at Western Carolina University and features informative lectures and workshops and a vendor area with a wide selection of native plants for sale.
The Native Plants in the Landscape Conference at Millersville, PA, occurs in early June. This 3-day conference also features lectures, workshops and plant vendors.
Other Web Links for Native Plant Information
Tennessee Native Plant Society
Native Plants for Tennessee
Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones
National Wildlife Federation
Wild Ones
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
University of Tennessee Herbarium
USDA PLANTS Database
Plant Native
Going Native
Grow Native