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The Best Plants for Lakefront Properties
Since the dawn of time, mankind has had a natural affinity for living along the water. Pull out any map and look at where some of the greatest civilizations of both past and present have tended to exist: almost all of them happen to be situated either along the coast or in close proximity to a river or tributary.
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Historically, this was for practical purposes. In today's modern world, however, you don’t need to live close to the water in order to guarantee survival. Nevertheless, the appeal of living alongside a beautiful waterfront remains hard-wired in us in many ways – though not everybody knows what to expect if and/or once doing so.
Today, we're going to examine how you can improve the aesthetic value of any lakefront property through the use of plants and foliage. Here are some of the best choices for sprucing up your lakeside lawns and boundaries.
Before Anything Else...
Before you can choose which plants are perfect for your lakefront property, you must first assess the characteristics of the lake itself. Does it flood often? Are there dramatic changes in the water level?
If so, then this can drastically affect which plant choices you'll want to consider. Some plants love being below water level, while others may need to be situated above the water level at all times. Ultimately, choosing the right landscaping ideas can only be done properly if you know how the characteristics of your specific lake change over time.
Focus on Native Plants
Depending on where you live, the best plant choices for lakeside properties can vary greatly. Moisture, humidity, and minimum/maximum temperatures all impact how much you can expect from the growth of various cultivars.
Generally speaking, most landscapers and botanists alike recommend first focusing on a variety of native “anchor plants” that will ensure the stability of the ecosystem immediately surrounding your property.
To find a list of native plants near you, click here.
Consider Floating Plants
If you want a natural boundary between the land and water on your lakefront property, then consider floating plants. These can help prevent erosion and attract animals crucial to the ecosystem.
Some examples include watermeal (known as the world's smallest plant that flowers), water lettuce, water hyacinths and duckweed. Various forms of algae can also be beneficial to the local ecosystem and while not attractive, will make the process of growing any floating plants easier.
Plants That Protect Against Erosion
Lakes naturally ebb and flow – but this can be a lakefront property owner's worst nightmare over time. Those beautiful shores can quickly become eroded without proper planning; as such, you should be considering plants that protect against this natural force of nature.
A variety of plants that protect shorelines and love the moisture of lakes include mountain dogwood, western spicebush and lady ferns.
Not everybody chooses to live by a lake, but those who do are making a long-term investment. Landscaping to ensure that the property is protected against flooding and erosion – while still being healthy for the ecosystem and providing aesthetic charm – is a top concern. By considering the above advice when planning a landscaping project around a lake, you'll be able to minimize any negative side effects associated with lakefront properties.
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
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