Exposure to salts, either in coastal environments or along roadsides, can stunt growth and even kill plants. Many of the grasses we grow can tolerate exposure to salts, especially species native to coastal areas.

Based on several sources, the grasses and sedges in this post are reported to be salt tolerant. Other grasses and sedges may do well, too, but these are ones that have been identified as more tolerant.

As environmental stewards, we understand the importance of managing stormwater runoff as a critical aspect of water quality – at the nursery and beyond. At our 45-acre main nursery, we capture, filter, and store precipitation to irrigate our grasses, sedges, and rushes in cold frames, greenhouses, and stock beds. We use a combination of grey and green infrastructure SCMs (stormwater control measures) to convey stormwater runoff. Learn more about these measures, our water treatment system, and the critical role water quality plays in producing ornamental grasses, sedges, and rushes in our latest blog post.

Originally pegged "No Mow May," a push to help pollinators is coming earlier because of early blooming in North Carolina. Grady Miller, a professor who’s been studying turf grass at North Carolina State University for nearly two decades, says an initiative that started as "No Mow May" needs to be earlier in our region. See how this helps the pollinators that have been under threat from development and a warming climate in this article and video.

With the warming of our climate, we are finding that flowers and insects that evolved together are getting out of sync. That, coupled with the loss of habitat, is making it difficult for our native insects to survive. If there are fewer insects, the birds will also have a problem surviving.

This article covers how we can help our native insects by providing the native plants they need, as well as providing food for the birds and nesting areas for both the birds and insects.

This article profiles Ocean Isle Beach native Henry Cooke and how he is working to combat shoreline erosion across the beach towns in North Carolina - using native plants and sand fencing to restore lost dunes.

Foundation plantings often are overlooked and under-appreciated, but they don’t have to be utilitarian and boring. The right foundation plants add instant curb appeal by providing color, texture and structure. A combination of evergreens and deciduous plants including small shrubs, perennials, and ground covers can make a foundation planting bed interesting rather than humdrum.

This post takes a look at evergreens, small shrubs, perennials, and ground covers that make foundation gardens pop.

Eco-friendly lawn alternatives are as beautiful as turf and make for sustainable lawns that help the environment instead of harming it. With fewer toxic chemicals and less mowing, eco-friendly grass alternatives support a healthier ecosystem. 

This article discusses clover, no-mow grasses and sedges, herbs, meadows, rock gardens, and more, with details about drought and traffic tolerance, maintenance, costs, and benefits. 

Ornamental grasses can add extra depth and elegance to your lawn. These grasses can grow in clumps or spread across your lawn, and they’re commonly added to many types of landscapes for aesthetic and functional purposes.

In this guide, Architectural Digest reviews popular varieties of ornamental grasses and provides care tips so you can cultivate a vivid, healthy landscape throughout the seasons.

Because of their shade and moisture requirements, sedges are ideal for a variety of landscapes. They are generally deer-resistant, cold-hardy, and disease-free. They will grow in different types of soil and some are salt tolerant. These are versatile and beautiful grassy plants to consider adding to your landscape.

Learn why this Master Gardener in Florida has become such a big fan of sedges.

The urban heat island effect occurs when pavements, roads, and buildings absorb the sun's heat and radiate it back, causing the temperature to increase and preventing the city from cooling down. With the growing reliance on cars in cities, the number of urban car park spaces is also increasing to accommodate buildings. This has resulted in the conversion of large areas of pervious land covered with vegetation into impervious hard surfaces for more car parks.

This transformation is impacting the climate of car-dependent regions and calls for collaborative ideas and efforts to mitigate the negative effects of rising heat. This article takes a look at strategies such as cool materials, green spaces, and blue infrastructure to cool down large urban car parks.

Air pollution, a well-known source of various illnesses, finds a surprising combatant in urban greening near highways. A study from Georgia State University has shown that these natural elements do more than just enhance the visual appeal of the area. They also play a crucial role in mitigating the pollution caused by motor vehicles.

Thie study highlights the importance of finding effective ways to combat air pollution. It underlines the potential of integrating vegetation into our urban environments for health and aesthetic benefits.

In an era where the health of our planet is as much a part of daily conversations as the weather, businesses are stepping up their game to become leaders in sustainability. The shift towards eco-friendly practices is no longer just a niche trend but a cornerstone of corporate strategy. This piece shares six groundbreaking ways companies are making strides toward a greener future in 2024.

For businesses, it is important to explore innovative strategies for sustainable shipping operations and eco-friendly logistics. All companies are looking for ways to minimize their carbon footprint and adopt more eco-friendly practices. From optimizing supply chain efficiency to embracing green technologies, companies are implementing various initiatives to reduce environmental impact. This article covers eco-friendly logistics and useful strategies for sustainable shipping operations.