Get matched with top landscapers in Mannington, NJ

Finding a reputable greenhouse or nursery should start online, where you can read through customer reviews to gauge the quality of the plants sold and the customer experience. Look out for customers complaining about plants dying shortly after purchase, and try to choose a greenhouse known for hiring employees who are able to explain how to care for the plants you purchase. It’s also a good idea to head to a few greenhouses to see the selection they offer and make sure they carry the plants or trees you’re looking for.

Monkey grass makes a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover, particularly in shadier areas where other grasses don’t receive enough sunlight to grow. It’s also excellent for edging walkways, bordering flower beds, and accenting rock gardens. You can grow it as a container plant, as well, which is a perfect solution for those who love its foliage but want to contain the spread.

The best type of rock for landscaping depends on your specific project and needs, as different rocks are suited for different applications. For covering large areas or creating an affordable driveway, consider gravel, but note that it can wash away in flowing water. For water features, river rocks are a good option. Flagstone and cobblestone are ideal for aesthetically pleasing patios and walkways. If you are building a stone wall, fieldstone or small boulders are up to the task. Large boulders and landscape rocks work well as statement pieces, to fill empty space, or to indicate boundaries, but be mindful that they can overwhelm smaller gardens. The best approach is to first define your landscaping project and then select the rock type that best fits that purpose.

Unless it only rains once in a blue moon where you live, you’re going to want water-loving plants in your garden bed or pot. A few ideas for plants that aren’t super fast-growing (meaning they’re good in pots or near foundations) and can handle a lot of standing water include: 

• Acorus (Sweet flag)

• Colocasia esculenta (Taro or elephant ear): In many climates, these are annuals, making them less desirable because you need to adjust the chain again after each replant.

• Equisetum scirpoides (Dwarf horsetail rush): non-dwarf varieties of horsetail are fast growers and can take over quickly.

• Juncus effusus (Curly rush)

• Osmunda regalis (Royal fern): Royal fern can grow quickly but can also handle being crowded, making them good container plants.