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Carolina Yards Plant Database

Website/Online Content

Terasa Lott
District Extension Director
Clemson University Extension Service
Sumter

Team Members: Rose, L1, Polomski, R2, Morganello, K3, Dabbs, A4, Davenport, M5, Tanner, S6, Dickert, G7, White, S8, Pachota, S9, Griffin, M10, Giacalone, K11, Lott, T12
  1. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29901
  2. Environmental Horticulture Specialist, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  3. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
  4. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
  5. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  6. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601
  7. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29303
  8. Associate Professor, Nursery Extension Specialist, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  9. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
  10. Course Coordinator, Clemson University Center for Watershed Excellence, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29405
  11. Director, Clemson University Center for Watershed Excellence, Clemson, South Carolina, 29634
  12. Extension Agent, Clemson University Extension Service, Florence, South Carolina, 29505

Abstract & URL

Good landscape design hinges on choosing the right plant for the right place, yet there are relatively few tools to assist homeowners in plant selection.  The Carolina Yards Plant Database (clemson.edu/cy/plants) was developed for this purpose.  The database contains nearly three hundred plants suited for landscapes in South Carolina. Plants were selected using the principles of Clemson Extension’s Carolina Yards program to help South Carolinians create attractive and healthy yards that work with nature.  Environmentally friendly landscaping techniques support a healthy ecosystem and can reduce yard maintenance, and may result in cost savings for the yard owner.  The plant database allows a user to search for plants based on common site conditions and plant characteristics such as region, soil type, pH, and sunlight requirements. The database also provides the flexibility to select native plants and plants attractive to wildlife. Further, the database can be used to identify plants suitable for stormwater best management practices, such as rain gardens. 

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An interdisciplinary team of Clemson Extension faculty and agents authored the content of the database and then worked to identify a low-cost method to make the content available in a user-friendly, searchable manner.  The team worked internally to develop a rapid-deployment, cloud-based web app builder (www.knackhq.com).  In addition to saving time and money, this novel approach has allowed the team to continue modifying the structure, design, and content of the database following implementation and based on user feedback. Usage of the site overall can be tracked by Google Analytics as well.

Years of CES Service: 0