Charleston summers are no joke. Between the rising temps, high humidity, and long stretches without rain, your landscape has to be tough to thrive. Fortunately, our growing region is home to a wide variety of plants that don’t just survive the summer - they shine in it.

Whether you’re refreshing your foundation plantings or creating a brand-new landscape design, these heat-tolerant selections are ready to handle whatever Charleston’s summer throws at them.

Even the toughest plants need a little extra care when the temperatures soar. Here are five essential tips to help your landscape beat the heat:
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1. Water Deeply and Early
   Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation. Aim for less frequent but deep watering to encourage strong root systems.
   
   
2.  Add a Layer of Mulch
   Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition. Apply 2–3 inches around your plants (but keep mulch away from trunks and stems).
   
   
3. Watch for Signs of Stress
   Wilting, scorched leaves, or leaf drop can be signs your plants are struggling. Adjust your watering schedule or provide temporary shade to help them recover.
   
   
4. Avoid Fertilizing During Peak Heat
   Fertilizing in mid-summer can stress plants and encourage new growth that may burn in the heat. Wait for a break in the weather or fertilize earlier in the season.
   
   
5. Plan Ahead with the Right Plants
   Choose heat-tolerant, Charleston-tested varieties like the ones above to set your landscape up for success. Right plant, right place = happy plants all summer long.

Kiawah Island, with its pristine beaches, scenic marshlands, and lush coastal beauty, is a dream location for many homeowners. However, creating and maintaining a thriving landscape on the island comes with unique challenges, including managing sandy soils, salt exposure, and a resident deer population that can wreak havoc on carefully designed gardens. Brownswood Nursery & Landscape is here to help. With years of expertise in Kiawah Island landscaping, we specialize in creating stunning, sustainable landscapes that overcome these challenges and reflect the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.  

In a recent project, our design and installation team partnered with a Kiawah Island homeowner to enhance their outdoor space. The result was a landscape that not only thrives in the island’s environment but also incorporates plants that are deer non-preferred, minimizing damage caused by foraging deer. By blending native plants with carefully selected non-native species, we ensured the landscape was both functional and visually striking. Check out the video and photos below for a closer look at the transformation and the attention to detail we bring to every project.  

If you're dreaming of an outdoor retreat that combines elegance, comfort, and functionality, this recent Mt. Pleasant landscaping project will inspire you to take the next step toward transforming your own backyard. At Brownswood Nursery & Landscape, our  landscape design team works to create personalized outdoor spaces that extend your home’s living area and match your lifestyle. Whether it’s a cozy spot to gather with family, a luxurious poolside oasis, or a serene garden escape, we bring our expertise to every project.

This Mt. Pleasant backyard transformation was designed with a focus on seamless outdoor living. A Bluestone patio with Old Carolina® brick accents became the perfect setting for a custom outdoor fireplace, offering a cozy ambiance for cool evenings. The Belgard® Dublin Cobble® pool deck, framed by a Weston Stone™ wall, added a touch of sophistication while maintaining durability for high-traffic areas. Steel-edged Plantation Mix walkways connected the space, offering functionality and charm.

Lush, newly landscaped garden beds brought this outdoor retreat to life with a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in Mt. Pleasant’s coastal environment. Key plantings included Magnolia, Crape Myrtle, Japanese Blueberry Trees, and Nelly Stevens Holly for structure and shade, complemented by vibrant flowering plants such as Hydrangeas, Drift® Roses, Bougainvillea, and Salvia. Additional accents like Sweet Grass, Shenandoah Switch Grass, and Variegated Shell Ginger added texture and movement to the design, creating a dynamic yet cohesive look. These thoughtful plant selections not only enhance the landscape’s beauty but also ensure low-maintenance growth and sustainability.

To complete the transformation, Empire Zoysia sod created a lush, welcoming lawn, while updated irrigation and lighting systems ensured long-lasting health and functionality for the landscape. Custom lighting elements, including uplights and path lights, enhanced the design, creating a magical ambiance for nighttime enjoyment. With every detail tailored to the client’s needs, this Mt. Pleasant landscape design delivers a perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality.

Are you ready to transform your outdoor space into the ultimate retreat? Brownswood Nursery & Landscape has been the trusted choice for Mt. Pleasant landscapers for years, delivering expert design and installation services to create beautiful, functional landscapes. Let us help you bring your vision to life.

Plan now to create your dream outdoor living space by scheduling an in-yard design consultation today.