Summer in the Native Landscape Along the Main Line

If you live along the Main Line of Philadelphia, you know the challenges we face in the landscape: deer, hot summers, unpredictable rain, and a desire to have a landscape that maintains its beauty year-round, without endless upkeep.

In summer, the idea of keeping a landscape in top shape amidst hot temperatures rain, and travel schedules can seem like a daunting task. There is good news: A thoughtfully designed native landscape can be both low-maintenance and attractive while standing up to our region’s conditions.

Why Choose Native Plants?

Native plants are uniquely adapted to our local soils and climate. Once established, they require less water, fewer inputs like fertilizer and pest control, and less maintenance to keep them looking great. Many native species are unpalatable to deer, tolerant of heat and drought, and provide vital food and shelter for pollinators and birds.

Top Native Plants for Resilient, Deer-Resistant Gardens

These dependable natives are selected specifically for their ability to thrive in the Main Line’s variable growing conditions—from shady backyards to sun-drenched slopes.

🌞 Perennials for Sunny, Tough Conditions

• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed)
  Vibrant orange blooms, beloved by monarchs and serving as the host plant for generations of eggs and caterpillars. Butterfly Milkweed absolutely thrives in hot, dry soils and is typically avoided by deer.

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
  Long-lasting flowers and easy to grow, deer tend to leave these attractive perennials along because of their hairy stems.

• Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’ (Rough Goldenrod)
  Late-summer blooms of bright yellow flowers make the landscape pop with dramatic form. Fireworks Goldenrod handles drought and poor soils well.

🌿 Groundcovers & Edging Plants

• Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)
  Low-growing spring bloomer that hugs sunny slopes and stone edges.

• Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’
  A more compact goldenrod with brilliant yellow flowers in fall. Deer-resistant and great for borders or massing.

• Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
  A graceful, lawn-like groundcover for dry shade. Minimal care and deer generally ignore it.

Shrubs That Provide Structure

• Viburnum nudum (Possumhaw Viburnum)
  Glossy foliage, spring blooms, and fall berries that support birds. Tolerant of wet or dry soils and deer-resistant once established.

• Cornus sericea (Red Twig Dogwood)
  Beautiful red stems in winter, adaptable to sun or part shade. Works well in moist or shady spots.

• Leucothoe axillaris (Coastal Leucothoe)
  A low-growing evergreen shrub ideal for shade. Deer-resistant and offers year-round structure with arching, glossy foliage.

Match Plants to Your Site—Not the Other Way Around

No two properties are the same. Some have dry, sloped front yards; others back onto shady woodlands. Success starts by choosing the right plants for the conditions you already have. When plants are well-matched to their environment, they thrive with less water, resist pests and look great year after year.

A Garden That Works with Nature

At its best, a native landscape isn’t just lower maintenance, it’s more resilient to the dynamics that impact a landscape in all 4 seasons. It grows better as it matures. It recovers from droughts, supports pollinators, and maintains its beauty even when you're not out there every weekend.

Ready to Reimagine Your Yard?

If you’ve been feeling less than satisfied with your landscape this season, or throughout the year, let’s design a garden that reflects your style and the natural beauty that exists along the Main Line. Feel free to reach out to begin creating your dream landscape, filled with low-maintenance plants and without adding extra work.