The Plant Ecologist's Blog

Native Bees of North Carolina: Plants That Feed and Shelter Them

Native Bees of North Carolina: Plants That Feed...

Gabriella de Souza

North Carolina is home to hundreds of native bee species, most of them dependent on specific native plants to survive. This guide covers the key native plants that feed, shelter,...

Native Bees of North Carolina: Plants That Feed...

Gabriella de Souza

North Carolina is home to hundreds of native bee species, most of them dependent on specific native plants to survive. This guide covers the key native plants that feed, shelter,...

The Four-Season Garden: How Native Plants Work in Rotation

The Four-Season Garden: How Native Plants Work ...

Gabriella de Souza

In NC zones 7b through 9b, each garden season sets up the next. This post covers which native plants anchor each quarter and why the rotation matters for pollinators, soil...

The Four-Season Garden: How Native Plants Work ...

Gabriella de Souza

In NC zones 7b through 9b, each garden season sets up the next. This post covers which native plants anchor each quarter and why the rotation matters for pollinators, soil...

How to Plan a Native Plant Raised Bed

How to Plan a Native Plant Raised Bed

Gabriella de Souza

A practical guide to planning, building, and planting a native species raised bed for Zone 7b-9b gardens. Covers bed sizing, soil mix, and five native plants that carry the bed...

How to Plan a Native Plant Raised Bed

Gabriella de Souza

A practical guide to planning, building, and planting a native species raised bed for Zone 7b-9b gardens. Covers bed sizing, soil mix, and five native plants that carry the bed...

Native Plants That Build Soil: Five NC Species Working Underground

Native Plants That Build Soil: Five NC Species ...

Gabriella de Souza

Five NC native plants that improve soil health through nitrogen fixation, deep root systems, erosion control, and organic matter cycling — and why they work better planted together.

Native Plants That Build Soil: Five NC Species ...

Gabriella de Souza

Five NC native plants that improve soil health through nitrogen fixation, deep root systems, erosion control, and organic matter cycling — and why they work better planted together.

Native Shrubs for North Carolina Coastal Gardens: Six Species Worth Growing

Native Shrubs for North Carolina Coastal Garden...

Gabriella de Souza

Six native shrubs that work across NC coastal plain landscapes — from Wax Myrtle and Inkberry to Summersweet and Fothergilla — with guidance on provenance and what to look for...

Native Shrubs for North Carolina Coastal Garden...

Gabriella de Souza

Six native shrubs that work across NC coastal plain landscapes — from Wax Myrtle and Inkberry to Summersweet and Fothergilla — with guidance on provenance and what to look for...

Native Grasses and Sedges for North Carolina: What to Plant Instead

Native Grasses and Sedges for North Carolina: W...

Gabriella de Souza

NC yards are full of liriope and Mondo grass — both non-native and ecologically inert. Here are the native grasses and sedges that fill the same design roles while supporting...

Native Grasses and Sedges for North Carolina: W...

Gabriella de Souza

NC yards are full of liriope and Mondo grass — both non-native and ecologically inert. Here are the native grasses and sedges that fill the same design roles while supporting...