Landscape Vision Guide
The Algonquin Shoreline
A property in Algonquin Highlands
Shoreline Native Plant Design · Fall 2025
Main Planting Area — Design Vision to Reality
Before After Site preparation was completed by the client's contractor in early September 2025 — clearing existing vegetation, smoothing the bowl area, and adding Triple Mix. Simon planted both areas over two days in mid-September.
Planting areas: Main Planting Area · Screening Strip
The design creates a functioning plant community that works with the site's natural gradients rather than fighting them.
In the main bowl area, the foundation is a sedge matrix — 500 plants of Graceful Sedge and Wood Sedge planted in curved, interlocking blocks that flow together like puzzle pieces. Common Blue Violet is woven throughout as individual specimens that will spread naturally over time. Four structural shrubs provide year-round presence without growing too tall, and seasonal interest plants — columbine, beardtongue, milkweed, Black-eyed Susan, asters, and ferns — provide bloom from spring through fall.
The screening strip takes a simpler approach suited to its tougher conditions: Northern Bayberry for screening, Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac as a low barrier, and Wintergreen as an evergreen groundcover that fills gaps while the shrubs establish.
Two species — Swamp Milkweed and the experimental plantings noted in the design — push the boundaries of typical site recommendations. These offer valuable learning opportunities about plant adaptability while potentially expanding habitat for monarchs.
Click any plant to see its photo, rationale, and growing details.
September 2025
