Native plant nurseries aim to understand and support the natural environment. They help to restore local and global ecosystems by planting native seeds and educating others on how to do their part. When you partner with a native plant nursery, you can also grow superior native plants.
Choosing Native Plants and Trees
Native plant nurseries specialize in native plants and trees and offer hundreds of different species of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses. As you decide which natives you want to grow, you first need to know which types will grow best in the area you live. If you live in a woodland area that receives a lot of rainfall, you need to choose plants that will thrive in shade and moist, fertile soil. If you live in a sunny area with little rainfall and woodlands, you need to choose plants that will thrive in full sun and drier conditions. Choosing plants that can grow well in the area’s natural environment will help the plants grow with little intervention on your end. A hands-off approach may be possible after the plants have been well-established after a few seasons.
Here are a few options for native plants to grow:
Woodland Wildflowers
Columbine: This native perennial blooms red and yellow nodding flowers in April and May. It needs moist soil with a lot of organic matter. It self-sows easily.
Great Blue Lobelia: This native perennial blooms blue tubular flowers in August and September. It thrives in rainy areas and full or partial sun. It prefers wet soil with high organic content. You will need to add mulch in the winter months.
Maidenhair Hardy Fern: This perennial fern works well as ground cover in shady areas with well-drained soil.
Meadow Wildflowers
Foxglove Beard Tongue: The white tubular flowers of this native perennial bloom in late spring and early summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It self-sows easily.
Black-eyed Susan: Bring butterflies to your yard with this native perennial. Its yellow and orange flowers bloom all summer long and into fall. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Blue Wild Indigo: The deep blue flowers of this native perennial grow on spikey green foliage in May and June. It needs sun or partial shade, well-drained soil, and average organic matter content.
Sourcing Native Seeds and Using Quality Soil
As you source native seeds, look for a native plant nursery that uses RPM-production seeds. This method of seed production improves a plant’s root health and resistance, allowing the roots to stretch deeper into the soil and retain nutrients longer. It can also help plants grow faster.
The type of soil you grow your native plants in heavily affects plant growth. It should have diverse microorganisms that develop lively, vibrant soil that plants love. Certain types of plants need different soil. They may prefer loamy, silty, sandy, or clay soil. Some plants will need fertilizer and mulch and some may need neither. The native plant nursery you work with can help you understand the ideal soil conditions for your plants.
Building Habitats for Wildlife and Pollinators
As native flowers, trees, and shrubs grow in your area, they may improve the site’s soil for better water and nutrient absorption. When you have healthy soil, it better nurtures a balance of flowers, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. This, in turn, supports a diverse ecosystem of birds, amphibians, insects, mammals, woodland flowers, and native perennial plants. By growing native trees and flowers, you are doing your part to restore and conserve the environment and local ecosystem.
The Role of a Native Plant Nursery
To set yourself up for success, you need to create a long-term plan of which plants to grow and which ones will thrive together. It may help to include others in your plan so you can extend the impact of your efforts. Many native plant nurseries organize events where you can learn more about how to best grow native plants. They can help you build a habitat for the wildlife and pollinators in your area. Whether you are a farmer with an open meadow or you’re a homeowner with a lawn, you can turn your land into a home for native wildlife, pollinators, and plants. Contact your local native plant nursery to get started today.
