This thesis explores the potential for novel assemblages of Piedmont prairie species using the designed plant community approach pioneered by professors James Hitchmough and Nigel Dunnett, along with key design principles outlined by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West as a framework for guiding selection and evaluation of Southeastern Piedmont Prairie species and their potential use in urban and suburban environments. Research has evolved as a response to four long-term problems that remain prevalent in urban parks authorities across the globe: (1) A significant decline in the funding of maintenance programs, (2) the erosion of horticultural vegetation maintenance skills within urban park authorities, (3) the loss of critical pollinator habitat and limited biodiversity, and (4) the need for a regionally specific understanding of natural plant assemblages.

Using new paradigms for designed plantings, an evaluation and design process has been developed by which hypernatural plant communities can be assembled and evaluated.