Samson Landscape + Design
Native plants offer Cleveland gardeners the perfect blend of beauty and resilience, thriving in our climate while supporting local wildlife and requiring minimal care once established.
This aromatic perennial produces clusters of lavender-pink tubular flowers that bloom from midsummer through early fall. Wild bergamot's fragrant leaves release a minty scent when brushed, and its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant forms spreading colonies over time, making it excellent for naturalizing larger areas or filling in prairie-style gardens.
Perhaps the most beloved of native wildflowers, purple coneflower displays bold magenta petals that droop gracefully around prominent orange centers. These sturdy perennials bloom from June through September, and their seed heads provide winter interest while feeding goldfinches and other birds. The deep taproot makes them remarkably drought-tolerant once established.
This charming groundcover spreads slowly through rich woodland areas, forming dense mats of heart-shaped leaves that create a living carpet beneath trees. Wild ginger produces curious maroon flowers hidden at ground level in spring, perfectly adapted for pollination by ground-dwelling beetles. It thrives in shade where many other plants struggle.
Late summer and fall gardens come alive with this spectacular wildflower's masses of purple daisy-like blooms. New England aster can reach four to six feet tall, creating dramatic backdrops while providing crucial late-season nectar for migrating monarchs and other butterflies. The sturdy stems rarely require staking despite their impressive height.
Delicate yet resilient, wild columbine produces distinctive red and yellow spurred flowers that dance above fern-like foliage in late spring. These graceful perennials often self-seed in rocky areas and woodland edges, creating charming naturalized colonies. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to the nectar-filled spurs.
This understory shrub offers four-season appeal with clusters of tiny yellow flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by bright red berries that birds eagerly consume in fall. The aromatic leaves turn golden yellow in autumn, and the smooth gray bark provides winter structure. Spicebush serves as the host plant for spicebush swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
This ornamental native grass forms elegant clumps of fine-textured blue-green foliage that transforms to bronze and copper tones in fall. Delicate seed heads catch the light beautifully, and the grass provides excellent winter texture while offering shelter for beneficial insects. Little bluestem adapts to both moist and dry conditions, making it incredibly versatile for various garden situations.
Creating a native plant garden connects your landscape to Cleveland's natural heritage while reducing maintenance and supporting the birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects that call our region home. If you're ready to transform your yard with these resilient beauties, we'd love to help you design and install a native garden that will flourish for years to come.
Timing makes a difference when it comes to landscaping in Northeast Ohio. Spring is perfect for prepping, planting, and getting your yard ready for summer enjoyment, while fall is ideal for new plantings thanks to the cooler weather and softer soil. Winter may seem like an off-season, but it's actually a great time to plan your project, finalize designs, and lock in your spot before the busy season hits.
The price depends on the size and complexity of your project. Smaller jobs might cost a few thousand dollars, while full property upgrades that include hardscapes, lighting, and irrigation will naturally run higher. We keep things honest and transparent — no hidden costs, ever.
Cleveland's climate allows for a variety of plant options, but we always recommend choosing based on sun exposure, soil conditions, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Some of the top-performing choices include boxwoods, spirea, and hydrangeas for shrubs, as well as fountain grasses and native trees like red maple and serviceberry. We also love incorporating seasonal flowers like black-eyed Susans and coneflowers to give your yard color and character throughout the year.
Not at all, unless that’s what you’re into. We design every landscape to fit your lifestyle, so whether you're someone who enjoys gardening or someone who prefers low-effort curb appeal, we’ve got you covered. With options like weed barrier fabric, drip irrigation systems, and slow-growing native plants, we can keep your yard looking great with minimal effort on your part.
After installation, most landscaping features are pretty easy to maintain. Your hardscaped areas, like patios and walkways, only need the occasional rinse or reseal to stay in top shape. The plants we select may require seasonal pruning or watering, depending on what you choose. Mulch usually gets refreshed once a year to keep things neat, and if you want help with that or other clean-up needs, we offer ongoing maintenance and seasonal service options as well.
