Expert Landscape Design Tips Using Native Plants and Local Trends

Spring is here in Berks County, and your yard might need some help. Many homeowners look at their property and see patchy spots, overgrown shrubs, or plain boring landscapes. You want a beautiful outdoor space but don’t know where to start. This problem affects many homeowners in Wernersville and across Berks County.

At Blades of Steel Landscaping, we help transform tired yards into stunning landscapes. Our team uses native plants and local knowledge to create amazing spaces that remain easy to maintain. Explore how you can revive your outdoor space with innovative landscape design.

What Plants Grow Best in Wernersville, PA?

Wernersville is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, which influences which plants thrive in our area. Our climate features cold winters and warm, humid summers, which favor specific native plants that have adapted to our local soils and weather patterns.

Top Native Trees for Berks County Landscapes:

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): These trees produce stunning pink flowers in spring before their heart-shaped leaves appear. They grow 20-30 feet tall and provide dappled shade.
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): This small tree’s white or pink spring flowers make it a standout. In the fall, the red berries attract birds, and the foliage turns beautiful shades of red.
• River Birch (Betula nigra): The exfoliating bark offers year-round interest. These trees tolerate both wet and dry conditions once established.

Native Shrubs That Perform Well:

• Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): This adaptable shrub produces fragrant white flowers in spring and outstanding red-purple fall color. It grows 3-5 feet tall and works well as a foundation plant.
• Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata): The bright red berries persist through winter, creating stunning color when the landscape is otherwise dormant. Plant male and female shrubs for berry production.
• New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): This compact shrub (2-3 feet) produces white flowers that attract pollinators. It tolerates poor soil and drought.

Perennials and Grasses for Local Success:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): These tough, drought-resistant flowers bloom for weeks in the summer and provide seeds for birds in the fall.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida): The bright yellow flowers bring color from mid-summer through fall. These plants self-seed readily.
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): This grass provides structure, beautiful blue-green summer color, and rusty-orange fall tones. It stands up well to winter conditions.
• Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica): This low-growing sedge makes an excellent lawn alternative in shady areas where grass struggles.

These plants thrive in Wernersville because they have evolved in our local conditions. They require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non-native alternatives. Their deep root systems also help prevent erosion and improve soil health.

Finding the Middle Ground: Native Plants with Controlled Design

Many homeowners worry that native plant landscapes look messy or unplanned. This concern is valid—without proper design, native plantings can become overwhelming.

The key is finding a compromise. We combine the ecological benefits of native plants with controlled design principles, resulting in a landscape that looks intentional while supporting local wildlife.

Some effective strategies include:

1. Create clear edges: Define planting beds with clean borders using stone, metal edging, or mowed pathways. This simple change makes native plant beds look intentional.
2. Group plants in masses: Instead of one of everything, plant groups of 3, 5, or 7 of the same species. This creates visual impact and a more cohesive look.
3. Include structure plants: Use native shrubs and grasses as the “bones” of your landscape to maintain structure through all seasons.
4. Implement a maintenance schedule: Native plants need less care but still require some attention. Plan for spring cutbacks and occasional weeding.

What Landscape Designs Increase Property Value?

Smart landscape investments can return 100-200% of their cost when you sell your home. These specific improvements consistently increase property value in Berks County:

1. Professional Landscape Lighting:
   Well-placed lighting enhances safety and extends your outdoor living hours. It also creates dramatic nighttime views of your home and landscape.
2. Defined Outdoor Living Spaces:
   Patios, decks, and seating areas that extend your living space outdoors appeal to today’s buyers who prioritize outdoor entertaining.
3. Mature Trees:
   Properties with established trees sell for 3-5% more than comparable homes without them. Once established, native trees require minimal maintenance.
4. Low-Maintenance Design:
   Busy homebuyers value landscapes that look good without demanding weekend labor. Native plant landscapes with proper design perfectly meet this requirement.
5. Reduced Lawn Areas:
   Converting some lawn to planting beds reduces maintenance time and costs. This appeals to buyers who want beautiful outdoor spaces without constant mowing.
6. Proper Scale and Balance:
   Landscapes that complement your home’s architecture look intentional and well-cared for, creating positive first impressions for potential buyers.

The most valuable landscape improvements solve problems while creating beauty. For example, native plants that manage stormwater issues or privacy screens that block unsightly views deliver both function and aesthetics.

Seasonal Considerations for Berks County Landscapes

Your landscape should provide interest through all four seasons. Here’s a timeline for implementing landscape changes in our area:

Late Winter/Early Spring (February to March):

• Plan your landscape changes
• Trim trees and shrubs before new growth appears
• Schedule consultations with landscape designers

Spring (April to May):

• Install new trees and shrubs
• Create new planting beds
• Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Summer (June to August):

• Focus on proper watering of new plantings
• Install hardscape elements like patios and walkways
• Take photos of your flowerbed to identify “gaps” in the design

Fall (September-November):

• The ideal time for planting most native plants
• Trees and shrubs planted in the fall develop strong root systems
• Divide and transplant existing perennials

Winter (December to January):

• Evaluate the structure of your landscape without leaves
• Plan for spring improvements
• Enjoy winter interest from native grasses, berries, and bark

This timeline helps you implement changes when plants have the best chance for success.

Ready to Transform Your Landscape?

A thoughtful landscape design using native plants creates outdoor spaces that look beautiful, support local wildlife, and require less maintenance. The key is finding the balance between natural growth and controlled design.

At Blades of Steel Landscaping, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of Berks County properties. Our design approach combines local knowledge with sustainable practices to create landscapes that thrive for years.

Whether you’re looking for a complete property transformation or simple improvements to boost your curb appeal, we offer solutions tailored to your goals and budget.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a landscape that enhances your property and simplifies your outdoor maintenance.