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Are You In The Zone: Landscaping Ideas For Southern Indiana and Kentucky

pumpkins and mums for fall landscaping ideas

Are You In The Zone: Landscaping Ideas For Southern Indiana and Kentucky

Looking to add some native plants to your landscaping but not sure where to start? Let us help by answering some common questions that many homeowners have about landscaping ideas and which plants thrive in this area.

What is a Hardiness Zone?

USDA Hardiness zone map for landscaping ideas for southern indiana and kentucky


Before thinking about specific plants for landscaping ideas, we must consider factors that contribute to the plant’s growing success. The state of Indiana falls under USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and 6, with southern Indiana and Louisville in Zone 6. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and is available on their website.

What Other Things Affect Plant Growth?

When your landscaping ideas begin to turn into researching plants or checking out seed packets, you’ll probably see guidance on when to plant and what to plant in each zone. This guide is helpful, but not the only thing to consider. Sunlight, soil structure and pH, nutrient levels, water, and plant spacing also significantly impact the viability of plants.

What Plants Should I Use For My Landscaping?

With milder winters and a longer growing season, many plants grow well in Zone 6.

Year-Round Foundation Plants: Junipers, Chamaecyparis, Boxwoods, Evergreen Viburnums, Cryptomeria, Pines, Spruce, Hollies, Ornamental Grasses

Perennials: Daffodils, Tulips, Lilies, Milkweed, Liriope, Hostas, Peonies, Phlox, Coneflower, Lavender

Annuals: Geraniums, Impatiens, Begonias, Petunias, Snapdragons, Pansy, Sunflower, Moss Rose, Verbena

For tips on how to add color to your landscape design, click here.

What Landscaping Ideas Should I Try In The Fall?

Although the main planting season is in the spring, there are several plants that do well with a fall plant date. Trees are an option because it allows them to develop healthy roots before springtime. This is also the perfect time to plant grass seed. If you have a vegetable garden, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onion, Radish, and Spinach are also plantable at this time.

If you have any garden herbs, now is the time to pot them and bring them indoors for the winter. Any houseplants that were moved outside should be brought in to avoid damage from the colder nights. 

Any perennials that have multiplied can be divided and replanted. Adding compost to your garden soil is also recommended.

For more fall landscaping ideas, click here.

Need help with you landscaping ideas from a professional?

Check out our blog to learn more about landscape design and what we can do for you. For a free consultation with a Walnut Ridge Landscape & Design Professional, please contact us at 1-812-289-6198.