Native Cottage Garden in Elkins Park, PA

Project Overview

This yard in Elkins Park, PA, transformed from a steep slope that was covered with invasive plants into a stunning native garden for pollinators to enjoy. This project began with a tedious removal of all of the existing vegetation without any chemicals.

Keystone Permaculture then added a retaining wall to hold up new plantings on the steep slope using local stone, which looked great and is working even better. We planted densely into the slope to increase root density and counteract erosion. The cottage garden is now filled with native plants, which are bringing in lots of pollinators and birds.

The Challenge

Prior to the Native Garden Installation, this yard provided little to no value for local pollinators. However, to be able to install the Native Garden, Keystone Permaculture needed to tend to the slope that was overgrown with aggressive invasive weeds, such as English Ivy.

Removing existing invasive plants is tedious and labor-intensive. Some amount almost always comes back and needs supplemental removal. The slope was also very steep and would erode if it were not retained by the wall of stone Keystone installed. We built the drystack retaining wall from locally sourced Wissahickon schist.

The Goal

Remove the aggressive invasive vegetation
Avoid the use of chemicals
Stabilize the steep slope
Reduce soil erosion
Replace the invasive plants with a dense native garden
Create a cottage-style garden using native plants
Improve habitat for birds and pollinators
Improve the property's curb appeal

The Solution

Removed the existing vegetation without chemicals
Installed a retaining wall to support the steep slope
Used local Wissahickon schist stone for the retaining wall
Planted densely into the slope to increase root density and counteract erosion
Installed native perennial grasses and flowers
Incorporated native and medicinal plants
Designed the planting layout in a cottage garden style

The plants provide food for birds and pollinators, and the curb appeal was improved substantially from the weeds and overgrown ivy that were there before. This client is extremely happy with the outcome of their new native garden.

“Our plants are blooming and look great…we are happy with the results…several neighbors commented on it and how hard you and your crew worked.”

-Customer Testimonial

Ecological Benifits

Native plants now fill the space
Dense root systems help stabilize the slope and reduce erosion
Native plants provide food for birds and pollinators
Flowers support pollinator activity throughout the garden
The garden provides more wildlife value than the previous weeds and invasive ivy
No chemicals were used during vegetation removal