Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, Johnstown is a picturesque town of 18,000 residents. It’s a place where the natural beauty of the Appalachian forests and the serenity of local waterways converge, offering a unique blend of old-world charm and modern living. If you’re a homeowner in this idyllic setting, you’ll likely want your outdoor space to mirror the town’s natural splendor.
Before diving into your gardening project, it’s crucial to consult a landscape supply company to ensure you have all the necessary materials. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive list of outdoor plants that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also well-suited for the Pennsylvania climate.
Tall Outdoor Plants for Johnstown, PA Home
When it comes to landscaping, variety is key to creating a visually appealing outdoor space. Incorporating both short and tall plants can break the monotony and add layers of interest to your garden. Tall plants, in particular, can serve multiple purposes: they can act as a natural privacy screen, add a dramatic flair, and even serve as a focal point in your landscape design. Here are some tall outdoor plants that are well-suited for Johnstown, PA homes:
Canna Lily
Known for its large, dramatic leaves that are deep green with red-tinted edges, the Canna Lily is a summer bulb that comes in shades ranging from golden yellow to sunset pink. This plant can grow to a height of six to eight feet, making it an excellent choice for adding height to your garden.
Pampas Grass
If you’re looking to add texture to your landscaping, Pampas Grass is a great option. It grows in four-foot-wide clumps and has distinctive fluffy plumes. The white flowers bloom from summer through winter, and the plant can reach a height of eight feet.
Arborvitae
This evergreen shrub is often used as a privacy plant and can grow to a height of 12 to 15 feet. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used to create a living privacy screen or placed among other plants in a landscape bed.
Smoke Tree
The Smoke Tree can add a subtle touch of purple to your yard and can grow to incredible heights of 15 to 20 feet. With a little pruning, it can also be kept smaller and fuller like a bush.
Evergreen Outdoor Plants for Johnstown, PA Home
Evergreen plants offer a year-round visual appeal, providing a constant splash of color even in the colder months. They are especially valuable in Pennsylvania, where winters can be harsh. Additionally, evergreen plants can serve as windbreaks and privacy screens, making them a functional as well as aesthetic choice for your garden. Here are some evergreen options that are well-suited for the Johnstown, PA area:
Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar)
The Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen, aromatic tree that fits your criteria for being somewhat deer-resistant. It usually grows 30-40 ft but can reach up to 90 ft. Its fragrant, scale-like foliage varies in color from gray-green to blue-green to light- or dark-green.
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)
Another evergreen option is the Atlantic White Cedar, which is native to Pennsylvania. It’s a versatile tree that can grow in both sunny and shady areas, making it an ideal choice for Johnstown’s varied landscapes.
Picea glauca (White Spruce)
The White Spruce is a native Pennsylvania tree that offers high wildlife value and can grow in sunny sites. It’s an evergreen tree that adds year-round greenery to your garden.
Small Outdoor Plants for PA Home
While tall and evergreen plants add structure and year-round beauty to your garden, small plants fill in the gaps and create a balanced landscape. They are often the unsung heroes that add color, texture, and variety to your outdoor space. Whether you’re working with limited space or simply want to diversify your garden, here are some small plants that are perfect for Pennsylvania homes:
Black-Eyed Susan
The Black-Eyed Susan is a perennial native to Pennsylvania. It’s a long-blooming plant that thrives in sunny, dry sites. Its bright yellow flowers are attractive to pollinators and add a pop of color to your garden.
Lowbush Blueberries
For those with limited space, Lowbush blueberries are a smaller species that can serve as a ground cover. They offer brilliant fall colors and are more tolerant of dry soils than larger blueberries.
Low Maintenance Outdoor Plants for PA Home
For those who love the idea of a beautiful garden but are constrained by time or lack of a green thumb, low-maintenance plants are a godsend. These plants require minimal care, are often resistant to pests and diseases, and can thrive in a variety of soil and weather conditions. Here are some low-maintenance plants that are well-suited for Johnstown, PA homes:
Butterfly Milkweed
The Butterfly Milkweed is a low-maintenance plant that serves as a food source for several species of butterflies. It has a deep woody taproot, making it resistant to most pests and diseases.
Summersweet
Summersweet is another low-maintenance shrub that thrives in sunny, moist sites but can also tolerate shade. It’s a native Pennsylvania plant that supports pollinators and offers a burst of color.
Additional Resources
For those who are new to the world of gardening or are looking to elevate their indoor spaces as well, a comprehensive guide on indoor plants arrangement and decor is available. This guide offers valuable insights into selecting the right plants for your indoor environment, arranging them for maximum aesthetic appeal, and understanding the basics of indoor plant care. It’s a must-read for anyone aiming to create a harmonious living space that extends beyond the garden.
If you’re just starting out on your gardening journey, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s where this Gardening 101 guide for beginners comes in handy. The guide covers everything from soil preparation and planting techniques to pest control and harvesting. It’s a one-stop resource that can help you navigate the complexities of gardening with ease.
For homeowners interested in further enhancing their outdoor spaces, lighting plays a crucial role. This guide on residential outdoor lighting offers practical tips on choosing the right type of lighting for different outdoor areas, from pathways and driveways to patios and gardens. Proper lighting not only adds to the beauty of your outdoor space but also enhances its functionality and safety.
Conclusion
In the scenic backdrop of Johnstown, PA, a well-curated garden can be the crowning jewel of your home. From tall plants that offer privacy and grandeur, to evergreens that provide year-round color, and small plants that fill in the gaps, there’s a plant for every need and aesthetic. Coupled with low-maintenance options and valuable additional resources, this guide equips you with the knowledge to create an outdoor space that not only mirrors the natural beauty of Johnstown but also thrives in its climate.
