Dr. Danesha Seth Carley, assistant professor of horticultural science at North Carolina State University, recommends the following low-maintenance perennial native plants for pollinator-friendly gardens:

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Asters
Photo courtesy of Flickr user Anna Richards

Asters – Full sun; well-drained soil. Hardy, short and tall varieties in many colors bloom summer through late fall.

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NCField&FamilySummer2026
Flip through the pages of the Summer 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, find vineyard adventures at U-pick muscadine grape farms, explore the oasis of Manteo, learn more about on-farm markets, enjoy peak berry season with summer berry recipes, read about riveting research on hemp fiber and so much more.

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