Display Gardens of Piedmont Region Native Plants

 Christmas Fern
Polystichum aristichoides

Arching fronds, 1 to 2 feet long characterize this common evergreen fern. It is excellent to plant on slopes where it helps stem erosion. It prefers moist woodland settings but will adapt to drier conditions.

Master Gardener Ernest Arvesen made the most of a low spot in the cleared portion of the McFarlane woods by planting it with evergreen ferns and assorted small shrubs.   This river of ferns implies a waterway where there is none.
     A bridge provides an overlook from an adjacent pathway.
    The swale has become home to several old gates found on the property, added for visual interest.
 Ernest Arvesen, a longtime volunteer at McFarlane, passed away in November 2017, leaving us with his horticultural legacy that includes a small grove of chalk maples from his own garden and the fern swale. A dogwood tree has been planted in his honor.

 Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

An area named in tribute to Florence McFarlane is home to a variety of native shade/semi shade loving plants. Specific residents in this area include 

• Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Snowflake', 
• Bigleaf Magnolia Tree,
•  American Smoke Tree and 
• Alabama Snow Wreath shrubs.

Several of these plants provide
multi-seasonal interest from Spring to Fall.

Florence McFarlane was an avid supporter of environmental green space and these plants provide a glimpse of the beauty available from Georgia Piedmont native plants. 

Carolina Jasmine

 Gelsemium sempervirens 

  In 1995, funding of $900 was received from the Georgia Perennial Plant Assoc. for development of a 280-foot long perennial garden to be installed next to the Park driveway, which was edged with a three rail fence.

 Original plans were drawn for 30-foot sections to be repeated down the length of the border, with some small variations for existing large trees.

     After significant soil improvement, the border was densely planted by Karin with native perennials.

     In 2000, the border was passed to the Master Gardeners for ongoing maintenance and planting, as the border evolved into a mix of shrubs and perennials.  Some of the hardier plants originally placed still exist, including two large Carolina Jasmine vines on the fence. 

 Beautyberry 

Callicarpa americana

This favorite of the birds is naturalizing here. Alternative names for this plant are French mulberry, sour bush, or purple beauty-berry.

Clearly the McFarlane environment is perfect for American Beautyberries. A casual observation indicates that our environment is favored by the purple as each year their number grows. We also have white and pink varieties.

This native plant was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Early 20th century farmers crushed the leaves thus creating a repellent for mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Wildlife love the berries which are high in moisture. The USDA NRCS estimates that the berries are a source of food for more than 40 species of birds. Animals which consume the berries and/or leaves include foxes, opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and deer.

This garden recognizes Mary who has volunteered in the gardens since 1993.

This garden is constantly evolving but always focused on providing forage for the bees that call it home. 

John Mason, the beekeeper, maintains the hives, and the Master Gardeners maintain the garden that surrounds them.

An effort is made to provide flowers for the bees from early spring until as late in the season as possible.  One of the latest food sources in the fall is Solidago, Goldenrod.

The nectar garden was originally developed by the Sope Creek Garden Club and then changed hands to the Master Gardeners.

 The pump house is one of the most photographed, drawn or painted locations in the park. It is also among the oldest garden beds and has undergone many changes over the last 30 years. Native plants abound in the garden bed.

 Seasonal interest is engaged by such southern natives as Baptisia, Dwarf Crested Iris, Swamp Sun Flowers, coneflowers, and phlox. Many types of pollinators visit the summer flowers. 

 Spalding's Path is planted with native buckeye, azaleas and non-invasive American Wisteria. 

 Hughes Spalding Sr. owned the farmland that became McFarlane Nature Park. 

Spalding contracted with well known architect Henry Toombs to build the still existing farmhouse in 1941. 

 The acreage was more than the current 11.2 acre site, extending to the Chattahoochee River on the south and west to meet the land of John Sibley.  Additional acreage was owned by the family on the Fulton County side of the river. 

 This area contains a variety of seasonal plants which never fail to attract interest. 

Native azaleas and Red Buckeyes will greet you in the spring. Summer brings the blooms of graceful Bottlebrush Buckeyes. Fall brings the stunning color of Sassafras trees.  Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous native holly with stunning red berries in the winter. 

All of these are native to the southern United States and provide a wealth of color, texture and interest.