Water Features 101: Ponds, Streams & Fountains — Which One Is Right For You?

Thinking about adding a little wow to your outdoor space? Nothing brings life, movement, and pure relaxation to a landscape like a water feature. Whether it’s a peaceful pond, a gentle stream, or the tranquil sound of a bubbling fountain, each option brings its own charm—and choosing the right one depends on your space, your style, and how much splash you’re ready for.

We’ve helped homeowners all over Jasper, GA, find their perfect water feature match, and we’re ready to help you do the same! 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide what might work best in your yard:

Ponds

Perfect For Peace & Wildlife

If you’re dreaming of a calm, reflective space (maybe with a few lily pads and some friendly fish), a pond might be your ideal match. Ponds create a sense of natural serenity and invite all kinds of wildlife, from frogs and dragonflies to birds and butterflies. They do require a bit more maintenance, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it.

Streams

Go With The Flow

A stream can add a magical, woodland feel to your yard, especially when it’s designed to wind naturally through your landscape. These are great for sloped areas or larger properties and pair beautifully with native plants and rocks. Plus, the sound of moving water? Instant stress relief.

Fountains

Big Impact, Small Space

Want the calming sound of water without committing to a full pond? A fountain might be your new favorite thing. They come in all shapes and sizes, from elegant stone pieces to rustic bubbling rocks. Fountains are perfect for patios, entryways, or smaller gardens.

Need a hand designing your water feature?

We’re here for that! Visit our landscape design services to learn how we design and install water features that look like they’ve always belonged in your yard. Whether you want a showstopper or a subtle splash, we’ve got you covered.

Follow us on Facebook to see water feature projects we’ve worked on right here in the Jasper area. We’d love to help you create your perfect backyard oasis.

Let’s bring your landscape to life, one splash at a time!

Water-Wise Gardening: Tips For Creating Drought-Tolerant Landscapes

Georgia summers can be toasty. While we love the sunshine here in Jasper, GA, our gardens might not feel the same way when the heat cranks up and the rain slows down. That’s where water-wise gardening comes in. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful, thriving landscape that doesn’t depend on daily watering or sky-high utility bills.

We’re all about landscapes that look good and do good, and these tips will help your yard stay gorgeous, even when the temps soar.

Start With The Right Plants

The secret to a drought-tolerant landscape? Choose plants that love the heat as much as we do. Some of our local favorites include:

  • Yarrow – Colorful, tough, and pollinator-friendly.
  • Russian Sage – Adds texture and soft lavender hues without needing much water.
  • Sedum – A low-maintenance succulent that’s perfect for hot, dry spots.
  • Coneflowers & Black-Eyed Susans – Native to Georgia and built to handle the summer heat.

Native plants are superstars in water-wise landscapes. They’re already adapted to our local conditions and require far less fuss.

Design With Purpose

Garden design plays a big role in water conservation. Group plants with similar watering needs together to avoid overwatering some and underwatering others. Consider adding mulch (hello, moisture retention!) and incorporating hardscaping elements like gravel paths or stone borders to reduce water-thirsty turf areas.

If you’re ready to give your yard a sustainable makeover, check out our landscape services. We’d love to help you build a low-maintenance landscape that looks great year-round.

Smart Watering Means Happy Plants

When you do water, make it count. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Bonus points if you add a drip irrigation system. It’s efficient and delivers water right where it’s needed.

Let’s grow greener, Jasper!

Sustainable landscaping doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. With thoughtful plant choices and smart design, your yard can stay vibrant and healthy through even the hottest months.

Want more water-wise inspiration? Follow us on Facebook for tips, seasonal ideas, and local gardening love from your Whispering Springs crew.

Thriving In The Georgia Heat: Summer Gardening Tips For Jasper Residents

Georgia summers don’t mess around. Between the steamy afternoons and surprise pop-up storms, keeping your garden happy during the hot months can feel like a full-time job.

But with a little planning (and a few local pro tips from your friends at Whispering Springs), your plants can thrive in the Jasper heat.

Watering Wisdom

When the temperatures rise, your garden’s thirst increases, but it’s all about timing. Watering early in the morning is your best bet. It gives roots a chance to absorb moisture before the sun evaporates it, and it keeps leaves dry to help prevent disease. Skip those quick daily sprinkles; deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger root systems that are better equipped to handle drought.

If you’re not sure whether you’re overdoing it or not doing enough, pop by our landscape services page. We can help take the guesswork out of your summer watering game!

Heat-Loving Plant Picks

The best way to beat the heat? Choose plants that love it just as much as we do. 

Here are a few of our favorite heat-tolerant plants that thrive in Jasper, GA:

  • Lantana – Colorful and low-maintenance, this pollinator magnet keeps blooming all summer long.
  • Black-eyed Susans – Tough, cheerful, and totally unbothered by blazing sun.
  • Coneflowers – Native to the Southeast and perfect for dry, sunny spots.
  • Salvia – Adds a pop of color and doesn’t mind the heat one bit.

Mix these in with some hardy ornamental grasses and you’ll have a landscape that’s both beautiful and built to last.

Mulch Is Your Garden’s Best Friend

Seriously, mulch does it all. It locks in moisture, keeps roots cool, and helps block out those relentless weeds. A fresh layer of mulch around your garden beds can make a huge difference when temperatures start to soar.

Need help beating the Georgia heat with your garden?

Whether you need help selecting the right plants, adjusting your watering setup, or just want someone else to do the hard work, Whispering Springs is proud to be your go-to landscaping team in Jasper, GA. 

Contact us today to schedule your estimate!

Want to see what we’re planting, pruning, and loving this summer? Follow us on Facebook and let’s keep growing, heat and all.

Top 10 Deer-Resistant Plants For Georgia Gardens

If you’ve ever walked out to admire your garden only to find it’s become an all-you-can-eat buffet for the local deer, you’re not alone. Here in Georgia, deer are a common, and often frustrating, part of gardening life. 

But don’t worry! With the right plant choices, you can enjoy a beautiful, thriving landscape that deer will politely pass by. We love helping our neighbors in and around Jasper, GA, create outdoor spaces that are both stunning and sustainable. 

One of the top requests we hear? “What can I plant that the deer won’t eat?” Great question, let’s dive in.

The Best Deer-Resistant Plants To Use In Georgia

1. Russian Sage

This hardy perennial brings soft purple blooms and silvery foliage, and deer tend to stay far away thanks to its strong scent.

2. Lavender

Loved by pollinators and loathed by deer, lavender is a win-win. Plant it in sunny, well-drained spots for color and fragrance.

3. Boxwood

Classic and evergreen, boxwoods make beautiful hedges and borders that deer typically avoid.

4. Yarrow

This drought-tolerant bloomer offers cheerful color and feathery foliage that deer don’t find appetizing.

5. Lamb’s Ear

Soft and silvery, this low-growing ground cover is both adorable and deer-resistant.

6. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

A native favorite in Georgia gardens, coneflowers attract butterflies, not deer.

7. Ornamental Grasses

Varieties like fountain grass or switchgrass add movement and texture, and deer generally give them a pass.

8. Butterfly Bush

Vibrant blooms, minimal care, and almost no interest from deer? Yes, please!

9. Lenten Rose (Hellebore)

One of the few winter bloomers, hellebores are beautiful and rarely browsed by deer.

10. Rosemary

This delicious herb doubles as a deer deterrent due to its strong scent and taste.

Looking for Deer-Resistant Plants Near Jasper, GA?

Come visit Whispering Springs Nursery & Landscaping, your local plant experts and friendly neighborhood landscapers! We stock a wide selection of deer-resistant plants that thrive in North Georgia’s climate, and we’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit for your garden.

Whether you’re designing a brand-new landscape or just want to stop feeding the deer, we’ve got the plants and the know-how to make your garden gorgeous and peacefully nibble-free.

Stop by or give us a call today. We’d love to grow something beautiful with you!

Enhancing Curb Appeal: Landscape Design Trends for 2025

We know that a beautiful landscape isn’t just about plants; it’s about creating a welcoming space that reflects your style while thriving in North Georgia. 

As we head further into 2025, landscaping trends are all about blending beauty, sustainability, and functionality.

Whether you want to refresh your yard or start from scratch, these exciting trends will help your outdoor space feel more inviting.

1. Native & Drought-Resistant Landscaping

Georgia’s warm climate means smart planting is key! More homeowners are opting for low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants that thrive with minimal watering. Think colorful coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and native grasses that attract pollinators and keep your yard looking lush with less effort. It’s a win-win. Less work for you and a healthier ecosystem for Jasper!

2. Cozy Outdoor Living Spaces

Who doesn’t love spending time outside? We’re seeing even more of a rise in outdoor gathering spaces, like fire pit lounges, pergola-covered patios, and even full-blown outdoor kitchens. Whether you dream of a peaceful retreat or a backyard built for entertaining, thoughtful landscaping can turn your space into a year-round haven.

3. Smart Landscaping Technology

Busy schedules shouldn’t mean a neglected lawn! Smart irrigation systems, solar-powered lights, and automated landscape maintenance tools are making it easier than ever to keep your yard in top shape with minimal effort.

4. Bold Colors & Layered Textures

Gardens are going big and bold this year, with eye-catching color combos and plants layered for extra dimension. Deep purples, fiery oranges, and lush greens create a showstopping look that changes with the seasons. The key is mixing different heights and textures for a naturally dynamic feel.

5. Sustainable Hardscaping

More homeowners are choosing eco-friendly materials for walkways, patios, and retaining walls. Reclaimed wood, permeable pavers, and natural stone add a timeless feel while improving drainage and reducing environmental impact.

Let’s make your yard the best place to be in Jasper, GA!

Your landscape should be as welcoming and vibrant as your home. Our team at Whispering Springs loves helping our Jasper neighbors create beautiful, low-maintenance yards that feel like an extension of their living space. Whether you want a full makeover or just a refresh, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Call us today, and let’s create something beautiful together!

The Benefits Of Professional Landscaping In Jasper GA

When it comes to creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space, professional landscaping makes all the difference. If you’re looking for top-tier landscaping in Jasper GA, Whispering Springs is your go-to expert. Our team brings creativity, experience, and attention to detail, transforming ordinary yards into stunning outdoor havens.

But why invest in professional landscaping? Let’s dive into the many benefits, and why Whispering Springs is the best choice in Jasper GA.

1. Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. A well-designed landscape enhances your home’s exterior, making it more inviting and attractive. Whether you’re adding colorful flower beds, elegant stone pathways, or lush greenery, a polished outdoor space leaves a lasting impact. At Whispering Springs, we specialize in designs tailored to complement your home’s unique style.

2. Increase Property Value

Professional landscaping isn’t just about looks, it’s a smart investment. Homes with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces often see higher property values. In Jasper GA’s competitive market, landscaping can give your property a significant edge.

3. Save Time And Effort

Maintaining a yard takes time, energy, and expertise. By hiring our team at Whispering Springs, you free yourself from the hard work while ensuring your landscape stays vibrant and healthy year-round. We handle everything from seasonal planting to regular upkeep so you can simply enjoy your outdoor space.

4. Enjoy Custom Design And Expertise

Every yard is different, and professional landscapers know how to make the most of your space. We work with you to create a personalized design, blending beauty and functionality. From lush gardens to peaceful patios, we bring your vision to life.

5. Sustainable Solutions

We prioritize eco-friendly landscaping practices that thrive in Jasper, GA’s climate. By choosing native plants, efficient irrigation, and sustainable materials, we create landscapes that are both beautiful and low-maintenance.

Ready to elevate your outdoor space? Trust Whispering Springs for expert landscaping in Jasper, GA. Let’s create something extraordinary. Contact us today!

The Benefits of Dormant Plants: Why Resting Gardens Are Healthy Gardens

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, your once-thriving garden may start to look a little… sleepy. Leaves fall, perennials die back, and bare branches replace once-flourishing greenery. But don’t worry, this isn’t the end of your garden’s story. It’s just a well-earned rest. Dormancy is a natural and essential process that keeps plants healthy, strong, and ready to thrive when spring returns.

What is Dormancy?

Think of dormancy as a plant’s version of hibernation. When conditions become too cold or dry for active growth, plants slow down their metabolic processes to conserve energy. This allows them to survive harsh winter weather while protecting their vital structures. Just because a plant looks lifeless doesn’t mean it is. Beneath the soil or inside woody stems, life is quietly waiting for the right time to reawaken.

Why is Dormancy Important?

  • Protects Plants from Stress

Winter conditions can be brutal, but dormancy helps plants survive freezing temperatures, reduced sunlight, and harsh winds. Without dormancy, plants would continue to try to grow and waste energy they can’t afford to lose.

  • Encourages Stronger Growth in Spring

Dormant plants use this downtime to focus on root development and internal repairs. When spring arrives, they’re refreshed and ready to produce healthier, more vigorous growth.

  • Prepares Perennials for Longevity

Many of your favorite perennials, like hostas, daylilies, and peonies, rely on dormancy to come back stronger each year. Cutting them back in late fall allows them to store up energy for a beautiful display in warmer months.

  • Aids in Pest and Disease Control

Many garden pests and diseases struggle to survive when plants go dormant, giving your garden a natural reset before the next growing season.

How to Support Dormant Plants

  • Mulch for Protection: A layer of mulch insulates plant roots from extreme cold.
  • Resist the Urge to Overwater: Dormant plants need less moisture, so water sparingly.
  • Prune Smartly: Some trees and shrubs benefit from late-winter pruning, but always research the specific needs of your plants.

Dormancy isn’t a sign of death, it’s a sign of resilience. So, embrace this quiet season, knowing your garden is simply resting before it bursts back to life!

Designing A Fall Garden: Top Perennials For Autumn Color

As summer fades and the days grow shorter, many gardens can lose their vibrancy. However, with the right selection of perennials, you can design a fall garden that bursts with color and interest even as temperatures begin to drop. 

Here’s how to create a stunning fall garden using top-performing perennials that thrive in autumn:

1. Asters

Asters are a quintessential fall flower, offering daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. These hardy perennials provide a late-season nectar source for pollinators and can brighten up your garden as other plants begin to fade. Plant them in full sun for best results and pair them with ornamental grasses for a striking contrast.

2. Chrysanthemums (Mums)

Chrysanthemums are a staple of fall gardens, known for their bold, cheerful blooms in hues of red, orange, yellow, and white. They’re perfect for garden beds, borders, or containers, adding texture and color to any design. To ensure they return each year, choose hardy varieties and plant them early in the season to establish strong roots.

3. Sedum (‘Autumn Joy’)

Sedum, particularly the variety ‘Autumn Joy,’ is a must-have for fall gardens. Its succulent-like foliage transitions into stunning pink, red, or copper tones as the season progresses. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in sunny spots and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for a variety of garden styles.

4. Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod’s brilliant yellow plumes are a standout feature in any fall garden. Despite its reputation for causing allergies (a myth—it’s actually ragweed), goldenrod is an excellent pollinator-friendly plant that adds warmth and vibrancy to your landscape.

5. Japanese Anemones

Japanese anemones are elegant perennials with delicate, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. They bloom from late summer into fall, bringing a soft, romantic feel to your garden. These plants thrive in partial shade and are perfect for woodland or cottage-style gardens.

6. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

While coneflowers often bloom in summer, many varieties, like ‘Cheyenne Spirit,’ continue to flower well into fall. Their bold colors and distinctive central cones make them a favorite for both gardeners and pollinators. They’re drought-tolerant and easy to grow, adding height and interest to your garden.

7. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera is known for its striking foliage, which comes in shades of burgundy, lime green, silver, and more. While it doesn’t produce showy flowers in fall, its vibrant leaves provide a rich backdrop for other autumn blooms. Coral bells are versatile and thrive in partial to full shade, making them a great choice for diverse planting areas.

8. Helenium (Sneezeweed)

Helenium adds fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow to your fall garden. Its daisy-like flowers are long-lasting and attract bees and butterflies. Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil to enjoy its vibrant display.

9. Ornamental Grasses

While not a flowering perennial, ornamental grasses like switchgrass, fountain grass, and miscanthus offer texture, movement, and subtle autumn hues to your garden. Their seed heads catch the light beautifully, adding an ethereal quality to your fall landscape.

Tips For Designing Your Fall Garden

  • Layer colors and textures: Combine plants with contrasting textures, such as the bold blooms of mums with the airy plumes of ornamental grasses, to create visual interest.
  • Plan for continuous bloom: Choose perennials with staggered bloom times to ensure consistent color throughout the season.
  • Incorporate foliage: Don’t overlook plants with stunning fall foliage, such as heuchera or hostas, which can complement flowering perennials.
  • Add height and depth: Use taller plants like Japanese anemones or ornamental grasses at the back of your beds, and layer shorter plants like sedum or mums toward the front.

By selecting these top-performing perennials and designing with color and texture in mind, you can create a fall garden that’s as lively and inviting as any summer display. Embrace the beauty of autumn, and let your garden shine as the temperatures cool.

Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces: Maximizing Your Outdoor Area

Landscaping Ideas for Small Spaces: Maximizing Your Outdoor Area

       Lush, beautiful lawns seem to be all that grace the covers of home and garden magazines, and they all have one thing in common: space! Every time, these homes have acres of space to put potted plants, neatly trimmed hedges, and water features unlike anything you’ve ever seen. How, then, do those of us with modest outdoor spaces manage to live out our acre-sized dreams? There may be more solutions than you think to landscaping in a small space, so keep reading to learn more! 

 

  1. Map out your available space

 

       Survey your current outdoor space, and start by tidying up and removing broken, dirty, or otherwise unnecessary items from it. Once you have a clean space, you can begin to visualize what it could look like with a renovation. Write down your plans, and maybe even draw a map if it helps! Planning out your space with specific measurements will help you tenfold when it comes time to implement your ideas and purchase materials. 

 

       2. Search for low-space solutions

 

       Begin to source your materials by searching terms like “space-saving”, “collapsible”, and “portable”. This will yield results that are meant to be unobtrusive, and use their own space in a way that is efficient. Using only materials designed for small spaces will help you design your outdoor landscape with a minimalist flair without losing utility. Products like stackable planters, collapsible hoses, and folding lawn furniture can really help keep your space filled but not crowded. 

 

       3. Source small plants

 

       Just like your outdoor items, your plants should also be small! Consider adding hearty plants that handle small spaces well, like Succulents and Pilea plants! These plants do well in small pots, and can handle the constraints of a small space. Also consider adding hanging plants to your space, like the Pothos plant. They fill vertical space well and help keep the majority of vegetation off the ground. 


Landscaping in a small space doesn’t have to feel impossible! Follow these tips, and remember that we’re always willing to help at Whispering Springs!

Plant Propagation: Growing New Plants From Cuttings

Now is an ideal time for plant propagation, especially using cuttings, as many plants are entering a period of vigorous growth. Propagating plants from cuttings allows you to create new plants from your existing ones, making it a cost-effective and satisfying way to expand your garden. Here’s a guide to help you get started with this rewarding gardening technique.

Choosing The Right Plants For Plant Propagation

Not all plants are suitable for propagation from cuttings, but many popular garden plants, such as herbs (like rosemary and mint), shrubs (such as hydrangeas and roses), and houseplants (like pothos and philodendrons), can be successfully propagated this way. Choose healthy, disease-free plants from which to take your cuttings.

Types Of Cuttings For Proper Plant Propagation

There are several types of cuttings you can use, depending on the plant species:

Softwood Cuttings

Taken from fresh, new growth, these cuttings are ideal for fast-growing plants. Softwood cuttings are usually taken in late spring or early summer.

Semi-Hardwood Cuttings

These are taken from the current season’s growth that has begun to harden and mature. This type is best for many shrubs and is typically done in mid to late summer.

Hardwood Cuttings

Taken from mature, woody stems during the dormant season (fall or winter), these are ideal for many deciduous shrubs and trees.

Step-By-Step Guide To Taking Cuttings For Plant Propagation

1. Prepare Your Tools

Use sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife to take cuttings. Sterilize your tools to prevent the spread of disease.

2. Take The Cutting

Cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy stem, just below a node (the point where leaves attach to the stem). Remove the lower leaves, leaving two or three at the top.

3. Optional: Use Rooting Hormone

Dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone to encourage faster root development.

4. Plant The Cutting

Insert the cut end into a pot filled with a well-draining propagation mix, such as a mixture of perlite and peat moss. Firm the soil around the cutting to ensure good contact.

5. Create A Humid Environment

Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Ensure the plastic does not touch the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

6. Provide Proper Care

Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.

7. Monitor And Transplant

After a few weeks, check for root development by gently tugging on the cutting. Once roots are established, gradually acclimate the new plant to normal conditions and transplant it into a larger pot or your garden.

Benefits Of Plant Propagation

Propagating plants from cuttings is not only economical but also allows you to preserve and multiply your favorite plants. It’s a great way to share plants with friends and family or to ensure your garden remains lush and diverse.

By mastering the art of plant propagation through cuttings, you can enjoy a thriving garden filled with beautiful, home-grown plants. Happy gardening!