Landscape Plants for North Carolina Gardens

Tetrapanax papyrifer in the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum.
Photo by Paul D. Jones

By Micaela Unda

Duke Gardens can be enjoyed as a whole -- for example, seeing the waves of colors playing off each other in the Terrace Gardens, or the woodsy beauty of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. But visitors may also enjoy the Gardens plant by plant, whether simply to learn more about nature or to seek ideas for how to shape their own gardens at home. 

If you're interested in expanding your knowledge of plants and their attributes and behaviors, consider signing up for the winter session of our Landscape Plants for North Carolina Gardens series.

This three-session class, beginning Feb. 18, gives you the opportunity to delve into the Gardens in a new way. Winter offers evergreen foliage and hardy blossoms that add color and beauty to our gardens. Taught by Jan Little, Duke Gardens’ director of education and public programs, the class will help you learn a menu of plants that will thrive in your garden, the conditions in which they are best suited to grow, and what ornamental features will make them either a star or supporting cast in your landscape.

Each class begins indoors with a review of plant photos and discussion about each plant. Then it is time to hit the outdoors! Strolling through the winding gravel paths and perusing plants, you will have the opportunity to discuss maintenance and plant combinations that shine in the winter season.

Are you wondering about the water, sun, or soil type a plant prefers? Perhaps you are curious about what other colors, textures and positioning will help this plant shine. Or maybe you have experience with this plant in your own home garden to share with the rest of the class?

The Landscape Plants for North Carolina Gardens class is offered each season with a fresh list of plants that you will want to know about. Looking at each plant in a garden setting and a mature size gives you a great opportunity to know whether you want to plant them in your home landscape. If you participate in all four seasons you will learn about approximately 300 trees, shrubs, groundcovers and perennials that will help you create the garden of your dreams. 

More information: The class will meet on three Wednesdays, Feb. 18-March 4, from 3-5:30 p.m. The fee is $110; $90 for Gardens members. Registration is required. Please call 919-668-1707 to register or for more information. This course is part of the Gardens' Home Horticulture Certificate program, but participants don't need to be in the certificate program to participate.

Blogger Micaela Unda is a Duke University freshman and work-study student at Duke Gardens.