If you’ve spent time in a native garden, you’ve almost certainly met bumble bees. These fuzzy, buzzing pollinators belong to the genus Bombus, and they are among the most important keystone species in North America. For me, they’re a personal favorite — gentle in nature despite their size, and endlessly fascinating to watch as they […]
Bumble Bees: The Buzzing Backbone of Native Ecosystems Read Post »
Understated, Wild, and One-of-a-Kind When we think of “unique” flowers, it’s often the big, bold, or showy blooms that get the spotlight. But there’s another kind of uniqueness in the native plant world—plants that bring quiet elegance, unusual structure, or a wild character that can’t be replicated by ornamentals. These understated natives are subtle, but
Wildly Unique: Native Flowers That Stand Out – Part 3 Read Post »
Weird, Rare, and Full of Personality Not every native flower is loud or showy — some are just plain weird. Others are quiet charmers, rare sightings, or plants that look like they wandered in from another ecosystem. In this lineup, we’re celebrating native wildflowers that don’t fit the mold — plants with personality, seasonal interest,
Wildly Unique: Native Flowers That Stand Out – Part 2 Read Post »
Striking Forms & Bold Blooms When you think “native wildflower,” your mind probably goes to prairie classics or spring ephemerals. But there’s a whole lineup of plants that break the mold — flowers with unusual form, color, or structure that stop you in your tracks. These five bring pollinator value, bold personality, and real garden
Wildly Unique: Native Flowers That Stand Out – Part 1 Read Post »
Not all native plants crave full sun and wide-open meadows. Some thrive in the quieter corners — under trees, along woodland edges, or in those stubborn shady spots where lawn grass gives up. Shade gardens may not scream color like a prairie, but they offer subtle texture, layered beauty, and serious habitat value when planted
Native Plants for Shady Gardens: Quiet Powerhouses of the Understory Read Post »
Rudbeckias might just be the gateway plants of the native garden world. Bold, cheerful, and pollinator-approved, they show up strong through the heat of summer and into fall without asking for much in return. And the best part? There’s more than one kind worth growing. This post takes a closer look at three standout species—Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia in the Native Garden: A Reliable Genus for Pollinators and Bold Color Read Post »
With its lavender-pink blooms and minty scent, Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) brings pollinators and personality to any native garden. Its airy blooms and minty scent make it a garden favorite—not just for people, but for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds too. What is Wild Bergamot? Wild Bergamot is a clump-forming perennial native to much of North
If you’re rethinking your lawn or starting a native garden, native grasses are often overlooked—but they play a crucial role in rebuilding ecosystems and restoring soil health. They also add texture, movement, and structure to any landscape. These humble plants aren’t just filler between wildflowers—they’re the underground backbone of prairies and meadows, working hard to
The Role of Native Grasses in Soil Health: Deep Roots, Big Impact Read Post »
Few native grasses offer the bold presence and ecological punch of Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). As a keystone species of North American tallgrass prairies, it supports wildlife, stabilizes soil, and creates striking visual impact from summer through winter. What is Big Bluestem? Big Bluestem is a warm-season perennial bunchgrass native to most of the central
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) brings unmatched color and pollinator power to the wettest parts of the garden. With its brilliant red spikes and value to hummingbirds and native pollinators, this wetland-loving perennial is a must-have for rain gardens, pond edges, and native plant landscapes. What is Cardinal Flower? The Cardinal Flower is a herbaceous perennial
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): A Striking Native for Pollinators and Wet Gardens Read Post »
Viola sororia (Common Blue Violet) is a low-growing native that brings spring color, pollinator support, and even a few edible surprises. Often popping up in lawns, woodlands, and shady gardens, this native violet is beloved for its heart-shaped leaves and rich purple flowers. Most of my lawn is common blue violet in spots instead of
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a tough, long-blooming native perennial that earns its place in any pollinator garden. Beloved for its bold purple petals and sturdy nature, it’s a must-have for pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, and sustainable landscapes. What is Purple Coneflower? The Purple Coneflower plant is a herbaceous perennial native to central and eastern
Purple Coneflower Plant (Echinacea purpurea): A Resilient Native Beauty for Pollinators Read Post »
