Serene Shade
A lush retreat for birds and pollinators while blending soft textures and vibrant greens.
How to water your native plants
Check the soil with your finger—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water!
1. In the morning, use room temp water
And avoid wetting leaves directly to help prevent disease.
2. In extreme heat, check moisture often
Check every 2-3 days. Plants go through more water when it’s hot.
3. Water deeply, and less frequently
A deep water ensures that lower roots get watered as well.
4. Use your 2 gallon watering can
Leave about 3.5 inches (4 fingers) unfilled to prevent spills.
| Planter size, Amount |
|---|
| X-Large Planter, 1 full watering can |
| Large & High Planter, ¾ watering can |
| Medium Planter, ½ watering can |
| Small Planter, ¼ watering can |
| Planter Size/Amount |
|---|
| X-Large Planter 1 full watering can |
| Large & High Planter ¾ watering can |
| Medium Planter ½ watering can |
| Small Planter ¼ watering can |
Sunlight Requirements
Your Serene Shade Garden enjoys the shade (less than 3 hours of direct sunlight daily).
To learn more about sunlight and potential issues, jump to Common issues & solutions down below.
Seasonal Growth & Pruning
Some native plants are naturally low-maintenance and don’t require pruning. The following plants benefit from seasonal trimming to maintain their health and shape.
| Plant | Pruning |
|---|---|
| Thatch Palm | Trim dead fronds occasionally to maintain shape. |
| Twinflower | Pinch back faded blooms occasionally to encourage continuous flowering. |
| Peperomia | Trim any leggy or damaged growth to maintain shape. |
| Plant/Pruning |
|---|
| Thatch Palm Trim dead fronds occasionally to maintain shape. |
| Twinflower Trim in winter after flowering to encourage spring growth. |
| Peperomia Trim any leggy or damaged growth to maintain shape. |
How to Prune Properly
TIP
Always wash your pruning tool with soap and water after each use to prevent the spread of plant diseases. If using kitchen scissors, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned before using them again for food preparation.
- Use sharp, clean gardening shears for the best results. A kitchen scissors can do the job for light trims, but a quality pair of garden shears will make pruning easier and more precise.
- Always cut just above a leaf node or where new growth is emerging to encourage healthy regrowth.
- Remove dead or damaged stems to improve airflow and plant health.
Common issues & solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wilting leaves | Underwatering or extreme heat | Water deeply and check soil moisture regularly. |
| Soft yellow leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Reduce frequency and ensure proper drainage. |
| Dry yellow leaves | Lack of water or excess sun | Water more frequently and provide shade if needed. |
| Slow growth | Too much direct sunlight | Move plants to a shadier spot to reduce stress from sun exposure. |
| Holes in leaves | Insects like caterpillars or leaf-eating insects | Harmful caterpillars (armyworms or cutworms) can be removed by hand. Beneficial caterpillars like the Monk Skipper (Thatch Palm) and Common Buckeye butterfly (Twinflower) should be left undisturbed. For aphids & leaf-eating pests, use a strong spray of water or apply neem oil: spot-treat instead of spraying the entire plant, avoid flowers (as they are a nectar source), and spray only in the evening to avoid harming butterflies and pollinators. |
| Issue/Cause/Solutions |
|---|
| Wilting leaves Underwatering or extreme heat Water deeply and check soil moisture regularly. |
| Soft yellow leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Reduce frequency and ensure proper drainage. |
| Dry yellow leaves Lack of water or excess sun Water more frequently and provide shade if needed. |
| Slow growth Too much direct sunlight Move plants to a shadier spot to reduce stress from sun exposure. |
| Holes in leaves Insects like caterpillars or leaf-eating insects Harmful caterpillars (armyworms or cutworms) can be removed by hand. Beneficial caterpillars like the Monk Skipper (Thatch Palm) and Common Buckeye butterfly (Twinflower) should be left undisturbed. For aphids & leaf-eating pests, use a strong spray of water or apply neem oil: spot-treat instead of spraying the entire plant, avoid flowers (as they are a nectar source), and spray only in the evening to avoid harming butterflies and pollinators. |
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Plant ID & care tips
PlantNet
Identify native plants
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