New England weather can be difficult for the home gardener. When selecting shrubs and bushes it is important to consider the issues of climate and growing season. You want things in your garden to provide color and texture not only during the summer months; you want them to provide beauty during the long, cold winter months. In light of the growing concerns regarding invasive species, this list contains only ornamental plants that are native to the region. Check with a quality landscape supplier in your region for alternatives.

The Bayberry plant is drought tolerant, produces small flowers and is hardy even in cold weather. Migrating birds are attracted to its small berries in the fall and winter. When spring comes these berries will attract returning birds. During the fall the bush will produce burgundy colored leaves. 

The Summersweet, or Sweet Pepper bush produces lovely white flowers during the late summer. When fall arrives the foliage will turn yellow or golden brown. Partial to full20sun and moist conditions, this bush will attract butterflies and other nectar lovers. It is tolerant to salty soils and prefers acidic surroundings. This bush is native to all of New England although it doesn’t appear frequently in Maine. 

Buttonbush is another native plant that does well near or in water features. With shiny green leaves and greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters, this is a visually attractive plant. The bush is often used as a nesting site for birds and will attract butterflies to your garden. The seeds provide texture and interest during the cold months. 

The Spicebush is unique in that all parts of it are aromatic if crushed. This bush blooms during the earliest part of the spring, bringing life back to your garden as quickly as possible. It does best in well drained soil, but is adaptable well to almost any conditions. Thick, long leaves will feed swallowtail caterpillars in the summer and turn a beautiful shade of yellow in the fall. Native to all areas of New England, it also produces berries for birds and other animals in the fall. 

American Holly is native in the southern parts of New England. Though technically a tree, growing up to 30 feet when fully mature, this plant provides interest year round, and is often maintained at bush size. Particularly hardy in acidic and salty soils, it does well in more severe conditions when well established. A few years of careful management will ensure a long lived, attractive pl ant. Holly is an evergreen that maintains its beautiful, shiny leaves through the entire winter. An additional feature is the bright red berries produced in the fall if you have a male and female within 100 feet of each other. 

New England and Blueberries go hand and hand in the mind of many. Different varieties will allow you to choose the one that best suits your landscape and goals. Spring blooms give way to summer fruit and autumn will bring colorful foliage. To protect your fruit you may want to invest in netting, or the birds and deer will provide fierce competition. Good drainage and acidic soil are a favorite of Blueberry bushes. Growing different varieties will give you blueberries all summer. Blueberry bushes are fun and nutritious to cultivate. 

There are numerous other plants you can add to your New England landscape to provide color and beauty to your home. A good nursery or a good landscape supply house can help you make the best decisions for your particular needs and location.

Shade trees are a boon to the ecology and bring beauty to any yard. When picking a tree consider both its hardiness and what it will look like in your yard. The top 5 trees to add into your landscaping plan.

Maple Trees
Available in a variety of species, maple trees are the best known of New England trees. For wet ground in your yard, consider the Silver Maple. A spectacular fall color of golden yellow. A brust of oranger will come from Sugar Maples in the fall. Japanese Maples impart a beautiful deep red color to its leaf in the fall.A Landscape Supply business will know exactly what grows in your area.

Birch Trees
Birch trees have a white trunk with very dark green leaves. Some varieties of Birch feature peeling barks and have a smooth surface. Many Birches grow multiple trunks resulting in a clump of trees that grow together. While they can be susceptible to leaf miners and borers they tend to be healthy, hardy trees if well cared for. They can grow in moist soil but prefer well drained areas.

Ash Trees
Ash trees are particularly resistant to cold weather which makes them suitable even in the northern regions of New England. Along your driveway consider both the Green and White Ash, they have some resistance to salt damage. These trees require very little care.

Oak Trees
Few things are as majestic as full grown Oak. Memories of Robin Hood and his Merry Men will spring to mind when you view the spread branches and rich foliage of an Oak. Smaller Pin Oaks can also be incorporated into a landscape. While Oaks do prefer an acidic soil they grow well all over the New England area. Slow to reach full size they can be huge trees that last for centuries if well treated.

Linden Trees
When they are young Lidens have a pyramid shape, it changes to a fuller shape as they age. Available in two basic varieties, little leaf and American, these trees like full sun whenever possible, but will do well in partial sun environments. Rarely plagued by insects they do well in just about any conditions. Their wonderful flowers give off a pleasing smell.

It is no surprise that trees add value as well as beauty to a property. Trees live for a very long time and bring an unmatched beauty to your yard. Aside from the obvious benefits of fresh air, shade and visual appeal, trees provide much needed homes for birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Spend some time sitting under your tress for a deep relaxing feeling.

Shade trees will help cut energy costs during the hot summer months. Reduce the noise around your property with shade trees. Well developed trees can be a favored spot for children looking for a hide out, make good structures for hanging swings and can be the perfect place to spot fairies with your kids.

Trees are remarkable things, taking in our waste gases and turning them into clean, breathable air, holding onto soil and reducing erosion and providing comforting beauty wherever they are planted. Shade trees are a great way to invest in the future health of the environment. Take a bit of time shopping at different Landscaping Supplier to find just the right tree that fits your price.