Have you noticed all the flowers starting to bloom around Maryland? We couldn’t be happier to see them and to know that this especially tough winter is finally behind us.
Walking around the lumberyard this week and seeing all this spring growth also got us thinking about all of you folks who’ve purchased decking materials from us recently.
Look, we know you didn’t build that beautiful deck just to stare at empty space around it. After helping Maryland homeowners with their deck projects since 1921, we’ve learned a thing or two about making outdoor spaces really shine.
The secret? Adding the right plants around your deck.
Spring is the perfect time to get those plants in the ground, and we think Maryland native plants are your best bet. They already know how to handle our weather (from scorching summers to those surprise late frosts), they don’t need babying like some exotic plants do, and they’ll bring birds and butterflies to enjoy with you while you’re relaxing outside.
Plus, choose the right ones and they’ll actually help protect the deck you worked so hard to build by controlling erosion and providing a bit of shade where you need it.
Maryland Native Plants That Brighten Your Deck Space
When selecting plants for your deck area, consider these Maryland natives that will thrive in our unique climate while adding color and texture to your outdoor living space:
Sun-Loving Beauties for Open Decks:
- Black-eyed Susan (Maryland’s state flower): These golden blooms provide cheerful color from June through October and attract beneficial pollinators.
- Purple Coneflower: Drought-tolerant once established, these pink-purple flowers bloom throughout summer and provide winter interest with their distinctive seed heads.
- Butterfly Weed: The vibrant orange blooms not only add a pop of color but also attract monarch butterflies, bringing your deck space to life.
Shade-Tolerant Options for Covered Deck Areas:
- Christmas Fern: Evergreen and deer-resistant, this fern provides year-round structure and thrives in the shadier spots around your deck.
- Wild Ginger: With heart-shaped leaves that create an attractive ground cover, wild ginger thrives in the shadier corners beneath your deck or under taller plants.
- Foamflower: Delicate white blooms rise above attractive foliage, perfect for those partially shaded areas.
Native Shrubs for Structure and Visual Interest:
- Inkberry Holly: This evergreen shrub provides year-round structure and bird-attracting berries.
- Virginia Sweetspire: Offering fragrant spring flowers and spectacular fall color, this versatile shrub works well as a deck border.
- Winterberry: Though deciduous, the bright red winter berries create stunning seasonal interest when viewed from your deck during Maryland’s colder months.
Designing Built-in Planters That Complement Your Deck
The right planters can seamlessly integrate your plant selections with your deck design:
- Choose materials that match or complement your deck—cedar and pressure-treated lumber from Johnson Lumber are excellent choices that resist rot and moisture damage.
- Size planters appropriately: allow at least 18 inches of depth for shrubs and 12 inches for most perennials.
- Incorporate proper drainage to prevent moisture damage to your deck structure—we recommend at least 1/4 inch drainage holes every 6 inches.
- Position planters along edges or at corners to define spaces without impeding traffic flow.
- Remember that built-in planters can double as seating when topped with cushions, maximizing your deck’s functionality.
Creating Natural Privacy Screens with Maryland Natives
Transform your deck into a private outdoor retreat using these natural screening solutions:
- Switchgrass and Little Bluestem create movement, sound, and visual barriers while requiring minimal care.
- Fast-growing native vines like Virginia Creeper and Trumpet Honeysuckle can be trained up trellises to create living walls around your deck.
- Strategic placement of American Beautyberry or Serviceberry provides seasonal privacy with the bonus of bird-attracting berries.
- Design with depth by layering plants of different heights—tall grasses in back, mid-height shrubs in the middle, and shorter perennials in front.
Natural Pest Control for More Enjoyable Deck Time
Enjoy your outdoor space with fewer uninvited guests by incorporating these pest-deterring natives:
- Bee Balm and Mountain Mint naturally repel mosquitoes while attracting beneficial pollinators.
- American Holly and Pawpaw resist deer browsing—a significant benefit in many Maryland neighborhoods.
- Wild Bergamot deters many common garden pests while producing lovely lavender flowers.
- Place these plants in containers near seating areas or along deck railings for maximum effectiveness.
Strategic Landscaping to Protect Your Deck Investment
The right plants in the right places can actually extend your deck’s lifespan:
- Plant shade trees like Redbud or Serviceberry on the southern or western side to reduce UV damage and heat buildup on your deck surface.
- Choose root-considerate plants that won’t damage your deck’s foundation—avoid aggressive spreaders near structural elements.
- Allow proper spacing between plants and deck structures to promote air circulation and prevent moisture-related issues.
- Consider elevating some plantings in containers to prevent soil contact with wood elements, reducing rot potential.
Maryland’s Seasonal Planting Calendar for Deck Landscaping
Timing is everything when adding plants around your deck:
- March-April: Ideal for planting dormant shrubs and early perennials before the heat sets in
- May-June: Perfect for adding heat-loving perennials once frost danger has passed
- September-October: The best time for establishing most native perennials and shrubs
- Winter months: Focus on planning and preparing containers and built-in planters
Your Partners in Creating the Perfect Deck Environment
Visit our Edgewater or Millersville locations to discover how we can help you create the perfect marriage between your beautiful deck and Maryland’s natural landscape. Spring is the perfect time to start planning your deck’s natural transformation! Want to chat about your deck ideas? You’re always welcome to send us a message. We’re here to help!
