Blooming Backyards: A Cincinnati Gardener's Guide to Fence Lines, Shade, and Dog-Friendly Plants

Designing a Backyard Oasis: Planting Along Fences and Under Trees in Cincinnati

Creating a vibrant and inviting backyard space is a rewarding endeavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, careful plant selection can transform your outdoor area into a haven for both you and local wildlife. This guide offers practical advice and plant recommendations tailored for Cincinnati, Ohio, focusing on fence lines, shaded areas under trees, and dog-friendly options.

Harnessing the Sun: Planting Along the Fence

Fence lines often receive ample sunlight, making them ideal locations for sun-loving plants. Your preference for sunflowers is a great starting point, as they provide a cheerful aesthetic and attract a variety of birds. Consider these options:

• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): These classic beauties are relatively easy to grow from seed, offering a stunning display of color and attracting birds with their seed-filled heads. Plant them in rows for a striking visual effect. Choose a variety that suits your space; some reach impressive heights.
• Coneflowers (Echinacea): Coneflowers are another excellent choice. They are drought-tolerant, come in a range of colors, and are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. They also provide seeds that birds enjoy.
• Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta): These cheerful, daisy-like flowers bloom throughout the summer and are relatively low-maintenance. They thrive in full sun and add a touch of vibrancy to any garden.
• Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): Zinnias are vibrant annuals that bloom prolifically and come in a vast array of colors. They are excellent for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds and are relatively easy to grow from seed or transplants. Regularly deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering.

Attracting Hummingbirds with Native Plants

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, and planting specific native species will entice them to visit your garden. Cincinnati’s native plants offer a wealth of nectar-rich options:

• Bee Balm (Monarda): Bee balm is a hummingbird magnet, with its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers. It’s also attractive to bees and butterflies. Several varieties are available, so you can select the color that best complements your garden.
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): This stunning native plant produces brilliant red flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for areas under trees or near a water source.
• Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): This climbing vine produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are a hummingbird favorite. It is a beautiful addition to fences or trellises. Ensure you choose the native species, as some non-native honeysuckles can be invasive.
• Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Columbine is a delicate beauty with spurred flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

Planting Under Trees: Embracing the Shade

Shaded areas under trees present unique planting challenges, but many beautiful and rewarding options thrive in these conditions:

• Hostas (Hosta): Hostas are the quintessential shade plants, offering a wide range of foliage colors, textures, and sizes. They are relatively low-maintenance and provide a lush, green ground cover.
• Ferns: Ferns add a touch of elegance and texture to shaded areas. Several native fern varieties are suitable for Cincinnati, including the Christmas fern and the ostrich fern. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and dappled sunlight.
• Hellebores (Helleborus): These shade-loving perennials offer early spring blooms in various colors, including white, pink, and purple. They are relatively deer-resistant and provide year-round interest with their attractive foliage.
• Coral Bells (Heuchera): Coral bells come in a wide range of foliage colors, from deep purple to chartreuse, providing a colorful ground cover in shaded areas. They also produce delicate flower spikes that attract hummingbirds.

Creating Dog-Friendly Gardens: Non-Toxic Plant Choices

If you have a dog that enjoys grazing on greens, it’s crucial to choose plants that are non-toxic. Here are some dog-friendly options:

• Bee Balm (Monarda): As mentioned earlier, bee balm is safe for dogs and a great choice for attracting hummingbirds.
• Coneflowers (Echinacea): Coneflowers are non-toxic to dogs and provide vibrant color to the garden.
• Coral Bells (Heuchera): These attractive shade plants are also safe for dogs.
• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): These vibrant blooms are not toxic to dogs.
• Herbs: Many herbs, such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, are safe for dogs and can add fragrance and interest to your garden.

Replacing the Grass with Groundcover

Replacing grass with low-growing, flowering groundcover can significantly reduce maintenance and add beauty to your yard. The yellow-flowered plants you observed could be creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), which is not native and can become invasive. Here are some other suggestions:

• Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): This fragrant groundcover is drought-tolerant, tolerates light foot traffic, and produces small, colorful flowers.
• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): This low-growing herb releases a pleasant fragrance when walked on. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): This native groundcover produces edible berries and attractive foliage.
• Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’): Dwarf Mondo Grass is a low-growing, grass-like plant that tolerates light foot traffic and provides a lush, green ground cover.

Planning and Implementation

• Assess Your Space: Before you start planting, take a close look at your yard. Note the amount of sunlight each area receives, the soil conditions, and any existing plants.
• Soil Testing: Consider getting your soil tested to determine its pH and nutrient levels. This information will help you choose plants that will thrive in your specific conditions.
• Amend the Soil: Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil drainage and fertility. This is especially important in shaded areas.
• Choose the Right Plants: Select plants that are appropriate for your climate, soil conditions, and sun exposure. Consider the mature size of the plants to ensure they won’t outgrow their space.
• Planting: Dig holes that are twice as wide as the root balls of your plants. Space the plants according to their mature size. Water thoroughly after planting.
• Maintenance: Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Fertilize as needed.

Conclusion

Creating a beautiful and functional backyard garden takes planning and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By choosing the right plants, considering the needs of local wildlife, and keeping your dog in mind, you can transform your yard into a welcoming oasis. With careful planning, you can enjoy a vibrant garden filled with color, fragrance, and the delightful company of hummingbirds and other beneficial creatures. Remember to research the specific needs of each plant to ensure its success in your Cincinnati garden.