Native Plants
Native plants are the ecological foundation of healthy local ecosystems. Having evolved alongside local wildlife over thousands of years, they provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat that non-native species simply can't replicate — native bees, butterflies, and birds are often specifically adapted to depend on particular native plants for survival. Beyond supporting wildlife, native plants tend to be low-maintenance once established, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticide than ornamental exotics, making them both an environmentally and economically smart choice for gardeners and land managers. Planting natives helps combat habitat loss, supports pollinators, and restores a sense of place rooted in the natural character of a region.
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Beautifying Silvermont (and your Garden)
with Native Plants
After parking your car at the Silvermont Mansion, you walk past two 40-foot-long planters. They are part of your first impression of Silvermont. But, until a few days ago, they were unkempt and filled with invasive plants. Several groups came together this past Saturday to change that. They cleared out the planters and replaced the invasive plants with a range of native plants. The planters will now be used as an educational garden, designed to teach the public about the importance of native plants and provide examples of plants that can be used in local gardens.
Native plants were here before Europeans arrived and have adapted to the unique climate and soil conditions of Western North Carolina. They provide local wildlife – including birds and pollinators -- with essential food sources and shelter. They require less irrigation once established, saving water. They thrive without fertilizers, pesticides, or intensive care. And they help preserve the natural beauty of our area. Invasive plants, by contrast, were introduced from other areas and frequently lack natural predators or diseases that keep their populations in check. As such, they often outcompete native plants, spread rapidly, and dominate the landscape – disrupting local ecosystems (think of the kudzu you saw driving down the road). Given these facts, it is not surprising that both Transylvania County and the City of Brevard encourage residents to plant native species, noting their many benefits. ​​
The two Silvermont planters were made available for use as an educational garden by the Friends of Silvermont. They were adopted by the Brevard Sustainability Council (BSC). The replanting effort was led by Destini Pettit, co-chair of the BSC, with assistance from master gardener Mary Agnew and Brevard High School student Paige Dinsdale. Most of the labor was provided by two student groups: the Environmental Stewards Club at Brevard College and InterACT, a Brevard High School service group whose motto is “Service Above Self.” All of the native plants were donated by area residents and groups. Assistance was also provided by the North Carolina Native Plant Society, the Friends of Silvermont, and iNDe Ecosystems. So, this was very much a collective effort, with people of all ages working together to make Brevard a better place. We invite you to check out the planters, although please note that they are a work in progress – so be sure to make repeated visits as the seasons change.
- Bob Agnew
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For the project, we planted:
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Penstemon (Penstemon canescens) — Attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, and native bees, including specialist bees that feed almost exclusively on penstemon nectar.
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Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) — Supports native bees and grassland birds; its seeds provide food for finches and sparrows in fall and winter.
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Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) — One of the most pollinator-rich native plants, supporting over 100 species of bees, butterflies (including monarchs), beetles, and wasps.
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Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana) — Attracts bumblebees and other long-tongued native bees that can access its tubular flowers, as well as hummingbirds.
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Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) — A early-spring bloomer that supports emerging butterflies, including swallowtails, as well as native bees and hummingbirds.
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Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) — A prolific bloomer that supports a wide range of pollinators including native bees, bumblebees, butterflies (especially fritillaries and skippers), and beetles. Its seed heads also provide food for goldfinches and other birds through fall and winter.
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The project was led by Brevard Sustainability Council co-chair Destini Pettit, with support from master gardener Mary Agnew, student Paige Dinsdale, and the InterACT community service club from Brevard High School. Additional help came from the NC Native Plant Society, Friends of Silvermont, and iNDe Ecosystems. Stop by and visit — and return as the seasons change!
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Brevard NC Gardens
We are constantly updating our map and pamphlet with local gardens you can tour!
If you know of one not on the list, send it our way.
