Spring is here with bursts of color and promise of fresh starts.

And here at Forrest Keeling, our plants are waking up, shipments are going out, and our website has received a fresh makeover! It’s now brighter, breezier, and brimming with everything you need to kick off your project season right—whether that’s adding fresh native shrubs like silverbell or planting deep-rooted natives like silky dogwood on a streambank restoration. Pop over to our revamped site, check out our real-time availability, and let’s dig into Spring 2025 together!

Imagine a vibrant landscape filled with life, where every plant supports the local ecosystem. By choosing native species, you can craft a stunning garden that also benefits the environment. Native plants enhance biodiversity, offering habitat and food for wildlife in ways that many non-native species simply can’t. Consider swapping out invasive or overused plants for these native alternatives:

Chokeberry (Aronia spp.): Replace the burning bush with this gem. Its bold berries feed birds and other wildlife, while its dazzling red fall foliage adds a burst of seasonal color.

Viburnum (Viburnum spp.): Ditch the problematic callery pear for viburnum. With clusters of flowers and berries, it’s a visual standout that also provides vital resources for pollinators and birds.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): For a tree with year-round appeal, serviceberry delivers. Spring blooms give way to tasty summer berries, enjoyed by both humans and wildlife.

Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus): Add a unique flair with fringetree. Its fragrant, wispy flowers captivate the senses and draw in a variety of pollinators.

Ready to transform your next project? Contact the Forrest Keeling team to learn more, or check our real-time availability on our website.

SILVERBELLS

RING IN SPRING!

Looking to add a touch of understated elegance to your landscape? Say hello to silverbell (Halesia carolina), a native tree that’s all about charm. This native Southeastern U.S. beauty, also known as Carolina silverbell, lights up spring with delicate, bell-shaped white flowers that dangle from its branches. Blooming in April or May, these blossoms pop against glossy green leaves, offering a soft, whimsical vibe for woodland gardens or shady corners.

Silverbell is low-maintenance and fuss-free. It grows 20-40 feet tall and thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Come fall, its winged, nut-like fruits add an interesting twist, while the foliage turns a soft, golden yellow, keeping the show going. Pollinators like bees are attracted to the flowers, and the silverbell’s gentle presence supports local ecosystems without stealing the spotlight.

Looking for a sustainable native companion? Pair silverbell with serviceberry or viburnum for a native lineup that’s as gorgeous as it is good for the planet. It’s not too early to contact us for fall orders including RPM-produced silverbell in #3 containers.

Native dogwoods, belonging to the genus Cornus, are cherished for their beautiful spring flowers, colorful autumn leaves, and, in some cases, striking winter stems. These plants are ecologically versatile, with species thriving in diverse habitats ranging from dry upland forests to wetlands. Each native dogwood species contributes significantly to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, making them invaluable in conservation efforts. Explore their roles and benefits in our latest article.

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