Modern Naturalistic Gardens: An Interview with the Incredible Team at the Plant Design Group

How do Kelly Grow’s ecological expertise and Plant Design Group’s contemporary design philosophy complement one another?

At PLANT and Kelly Grow we really strive to build quality, long-lasting landscapes that will last our discerning clients for decades and bring them many years of low-maintenance enjoyment of stunning surroundings. Our tagline, so to speak, is “distinguished landscapes”.  The two factors, we believe, that go into crafting them are the quality and longevity of our plantings (well-chosen and placed plants and stand-out designs), and the execution of really timeless, long-lasting hardscapes that will age well and fit in perfectly with the natural surroundings.

Specifically, as it relates to the work you do at Unriven, you had mentioned to us right off the bat that you wanted to partner with PLANT Design Group specifically for our hardscapes: you noticed the clean contemporary lines that characterize a lot of our work (and really attract people to our work) are, from a design and practical perspective, a perfect complement to the “unbound beauty”, as you call it, of perennial, palette-based planting. The strong lines serve as the perfect container for the low-maintenance, natural beauty of the perennial beds. 

Further, Kelly Grow’s decades of experience in soil health, turf finesse, irrigation, low-toxic lawn treatments, and general ecological expertise have led us to a true appreciation of the idea of creating low-maintenance, beautiful, environmentally friendly landscapes. We love the idea of a solid, well-built hardscape that will last our client for decades, and the ecological and environmental benefits of perennial planting and no-mow meadowscapes. We think that what we are doing is really cutting edge and we are excited to be a part of pioneering the movement in the area.

What do you think is driving the shift toward more naturalistic landscapes? 

A few things we are seeing with some of our clients with very large acreages is that they are wanting to, for environmental and practical/fiscal reasons, cut down on the amount of fossil fuels and manpower their property requires for maintenance. They want to cut down on noise pollution and the amount of time that lawn crews are spending on their property, as well. There is also a huge amount of awareness and collective care and concern for the environment and wildlife and it is nothing new that meadowscapes have a host of the ecological benefits of wildflower meadows and no-mow landscapes. Cutting back on toxic chemicals, cutting back on long-term turf management costs, irrigation costs, to name just a few. Making ideal environments for important wildlife to live and flourish, etc. The list goes on and on. Not to mention, the stylistic look of meadowscapes are entering into vogue and some (not all) people are appreciating some variety thrown in the mix and really seeing the beauty in that.

In conversations with CEO Charlie Kelly, we delved deeply into soil preparation strategies and innovative meadowscaping techniques. Could you share any standout insights or aspects of implementing no-mow meadowscapes that are particularly exciting for your team?

Creating a successful no-mow meadowscape in Bucks County, PA, requires tailoring the meadow mix and soil amendments to the region’s predominantly clay soil, as revealed by a soil test’s pH and nutrient profile, while also considering customer preferences, such as a preference for grasses over flowers. Here are key insights and strategies, integrating the influence of clay soil:

1. Impact of Clay Soil in Bucks County:

• Clay Soil Characteristics: Bucks County’s clay-heavy soils are dense, retain water, and often have poor drainage, which can limit plant choices. Clay soils also tend to compact, restricting root growth, and may have nutrient imbalances (e.g., high magnesium, low phosphorus) that a soil test will identify. These properties are a huge factor in determining the right meadow mix, as many plants struggle in heavy clay without proper preparation.

• Soil Test-Driven Amendments: A soil test is critical to assess pH (clay soils often lean alkaline, pH 7.0–8.0) and nutrient deficiencies. For acidic clay (pH below 6.0), adding lime can raise pH to the 6.0–7.0 range ideal for most meadow plants. For nutrient deficiencies, such as low phosphorus (common in clay), incorporating bone meal or rock phosphate supports root establishment. Organic matter like compost or aged manure is essential to improve clay’s structure, enhancing drainage and aeration for meadow plant success.

2. Tailoring Meadow Mixes for Clay Soil and Preferences:

• Grass-Dominant Mixes for Clay: For customers in Bucks County preferring grasses over flowers, select clay-tolerant, low-maintenance native grasses like little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), which thrive in heavy soils and require minimal mowing. These grasses form dense root systems that stabilize clay and prevent erosion. Pairing with sedges like Carex pensylvanica, which tolerates clay’s moisture retention, creates a lush, grass-focused aesthetic.

• Balancing Grasses and Flowers: For clients open to some flowers, a mix of 70–80% grasses with 20–30% clay-adapted wildflowers like ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) or Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) maintains a grassy look while adding subtle color. Clay soils, once amended with organic matter, support these species well, but the mix must account for drainage limitations revealed by the soil test.

3. Innovative Meadowscaping Techniques for Clay:

• No-Mow Philosophy in Clay: No-mow meadowscapes in Bucks County leverage native species adapted to clay, reducing water and maintenance needs. Species like big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) thrive in clay’s moisture-retentive nature, especially when soil tests guide pH and nutrient adjustments. Avoiding over-fertilization is key, as clay soils retain nutrients longer, and excess can promote weeds.

• Soil Preparation for Clay: Amending clay with organic matter (e.g., compost or leaf mold) is a game-changer, loosening soil structure and improving drainage. In some cases, raised planting beds or light tilling may be used to break up compacted clay before seeding. These steps, informed by soil test results, ensure the meadow mix establishes successfully.

• Layered Planting: Combining deep-rooted grasses (to penetrate clay) with shallow-rooted groundcovers (e.g., wild strawberry) suppresses weeds and maximizes clay’s water-holding capacity. Sparse wildflowers add seasonal interest without overwhelming grass-preferring clients.

4. Exciting Aspects for Implementation:

• Overcoming Clay Challenges: The team is excited about transforming Bucks County’s challenging clay soils into vibrant meadowscapes by using soil test data to select clay-tolerant species and amendments. This creates resilient, low-maintenance landscapes that thrive despite clay’s density.

• Biodiversity and Aesthetics: Crafting grass-heavy meadows with subtle wildflowers that suit clay soils offers both ecological benefits (e.g., pollinator habitats) and a tailored aesthetic. Species like switchgrass provide winter structure, enhancing year-round appeal.

• Sustainability: No-mow meadows in clay soils, once established with proper amendments, require minimal upkeep (e.g., annual mowing), aligning with eco-conscious trends. The ability to turn heavy clay into a thriving ecosystem is a point of pride for the team.

In summary, Bucks County’s predominantly clay soil is a critical factor in designing no-mow meadowscapes, requiring soil test-guided amendments (e.g., compost, lime, or phosphorus) to address pH, nutrient deficiencies, and poor drainage. Grass-dominant mixes with clay-tolerant species like little bluestem or switchgrass cater to clients preferring minimal flowers, while innovative techniques like organic matter incorporation and layered planting ensure success. The team’s enthusiasm lies in leveraging soil science to create sustainable, visually striking meadows that transform clay’s challenges into opportunities for biodiversity and beauty.

Learn more about the Plant Design Group on their website.