Courtyard Entrance Garden

Name: Courtyard Entrance Garden

Open to the public? No

County: Moore Co.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8a (2023)

Extension Demonstration Garden? No

Approximate year the garden/landscape was established: 2000.

What to look for: This courtyard garden is located at the entrance to the front door of a home in Moore County. It is on the south side of the house and gets full sun in the afternoon. The original planting in the courtyard was installed many years ago. In 2000, many of the plants were showing a decline in health, and their roots were found to be infested with nematodes. The susceptible plants were gardenia, Indian hawthorn and liriope. Camellia sasanqua remained in the planting, as it was not damaged by the nematodes. Research was done to find plants not susceptible to nematodes, and these were planted. Also, plants native to the Sandhill region were incorporated along with the standard landscape plants. Easy-care plants that contribute to supplying food for bees and butterflies were desired.

Horticulture: The sandy soil was amended with composted and composted manure. Nematode-resistant plants were chosen for the design.