Native Plant Gardening Archives - Page 2 of 4

Bright yellow Partridge Pea flower fully open, showing delicate petals and red-tinged centers.

Partridge Pea: A Nitrogen-Fixing Native for Pollinators & Prairie Restoration

November 24, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Plant Profiles

(Chamaecrista fasciculata) If you’re looking to support bees, improve soil, and bring a burst of sunny yellow into your prairie or pollinator garden, the Partridge Pea native plant (Chamaecrista fasciculata) is one of the most valuable annuals you can grow. With its long bloom season, wildlife benefits, and ability to enrich poor soils, this species […]

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Kitty Todd woodland and prairie full of fall colors, red, orange, yellow and green.

Oak Openings Region: Native Plants & Habitat Restoration

November 18, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Northwest Ohio Ecosystems

Introduction The Oak Openings Region in northwest Ohio is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Great Lakes, with sand prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands all within a few square miles. By planting Oak Openings Region native plants, gardeners can bring elements of this rare ecosystem into their yards, supporting pollinators, birds, and

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The shallow Maumee river full of native vegetation throughout the river.

Maumee River Corridor: Native Plants & Habitat Restoration

November 12, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Northwest Ohio Ecosystems

Introduction Flowing through Toledo and into Lake Erie, the Maumee River Corridor connects forests, wetlands, and urban landscapes, forming a critical ecological artery in Northwest Ohio. Often called the “Mississippi of the Great Lakes,” the river spans over 6,000 square miles and supports a rich diversity of species. By incorporating Maumee River Corridor native plants

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The Lake Erie coastal marsh along the shore of the western part of Lake Erie.

Lake Erie Coastal Marsh: Native Plants & Habitat Restoration

November 4, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Northwest Ohio Ecosystems

Introduction The Lake Erie Coastal Marsh forms a vital buffer along Ohio’s northern shoreline, filtering runoff, reducing erosion, and providing shelter for countless migratory birds. By planting Lake Erie Coastal Marsh native plants, gardeners can mimic this unique wetland habitat in their yards, supporting pollinators, amphibians, birds, and other wildlife while helping restore balance to

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the Great Black Swamp: Native Plants & Habitat Restoration

October 29, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Northwest Ohio Ecosystems

Introduction Once spanning over 1,500 square miles of Northwest Ohio, the Great Black Swamp was a dense mosaic of forests, marshes, and wet prairies. Today, much of it has been drained for agriculture, but fragments of this unique ecosystem survive. Planting Great Black Swamp native plants in home gardens allows gardeners to restore this habitat,

the Great Black Swamp: Native Plants & Habitat Restoration Read Post »

Evergreen lake at Oak Openings in northwest Ohio.

Exploring Northwest Ohio Ecosystems: Native Plants & Garden Inspiration

October 24, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Northwest Ohio Ecosystems

introduction Northwest Ohio isn’t just one kind of landscape — it’s a living mosaic of ecosystems shaped by water, sand, and time. From the ancient wetlands of the Great Black Swamp to the sandy savannas of the Oak Openings, each region supports a rich diversity of native plants and wildlife found nowhere else. Understanding these

Exploring Northwest Ohio Ecosystems: Native Plants & Garden Inspiration Read Post »

Switchgrass growing alongside blooming purple coneflowers in a native garden setting.

Switchgrass: A Native Grass with Beauty and Purpose

September 30, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Plant Profiles

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is more than just a tall prairie grass — it’s a foundation species that shapes ecosystems, stabilizes soil, and supports wildlife across Northwest Ohio and beyond. With its upright form, airy seed heads, and golden fall color, switchgrass offers both resilience and beauty in the garden. Whether planted as a specimen, in

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Understanding Cold Stratification: Why Native Seeds Need Winter to Grow

September 22, 2025 / Gardening, Native Plant Gardening

Growing native plants from seed can be deeply rewarding, but it often comes with a unique challenge: many species won’t sprout without first experiencing winter. This natural process, known as cold stratification, mimics the freeze–thaw cycles seeds would encounter outdoors. By understanding why cold stratification happens and how to replicate it, gardeners can unlock the

Understanding Cold Stratification: Why Native Seeds Need Winter to Grow Read Post »

Bright purple flower clusters of giant ironweed (Vernonia gigantea) in full bloom with green leaves in the background.

Tall Ironweed: A Towering Native for Pollinators and Wild Gardens

September 15, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Plant Profiles

If you’re looking to add height, bold color, and pollinator activity to your garden in Northwest Ohio, look no further than giant or tall ironweed (Vernonia gigantea). This tall native perennial thrives in moist meadows, prairies, and open wood edges, making it a striking addition to naturalized landscapes. With vibrant purple flower clusters and impressive

Tall Ironweed: A Towering Native for Pollinators and Wild Gardens Read Post »

Cluster of delicate white foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) flowers blooming against a blurred green background.

Foxglove Beardtongue: A Native Pollinator Magnet for Your Garden

September 10, 2025 / Native Plant Gardening, Plant Profiles

If you’re looking for a reliable, long-blooming native that brings early-season pollinator action and elegant structure to your garden in Northwest Ohio, Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a standout. This hardy perennial thrives in a wide range of garden conditions, offers striking white blooms in early summer, and serves as an important nectar source for

Foxglove Beardtongue: A Native Pollinator Magnet for Your Garden Read Post »

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