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 »
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) stands tall in the native garden, drawing in pollinators with vivid color and late-summer blooms. With its tall, spiky purple blooms and magnetism for butterflies and bees, this perennial is a must-have for pollinator gardens, native landscapes, and meadows. What is Dense Blazing Star? The Dense Blazing Star flower is
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a native powerhouse, with globe-shaped pink blooms that play a critical role in supporting Monarch butterflies and ecosystem health. With its large, globe-shaped pink blooms and critical role in supporting Monarch butterflies, this native perennial is a keystone plant in Northwest Ohio and throughout North American ecosystems. What is Common
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca): A Monarch Favorite with a Wild Side Read Post »
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) brightens sunny spots with brilliant orange blooms that attract Monarchs and other pollinators. With its brilliant orange blooms and compact growth habit, this native perennial is a favorite among gardeners and a magnet for butterflies, especially Monarchs. What is Butterfly Milkweed? Butterfly Milkweed is a herbaceous perennial native to much of
Growing the Butterfly Milkweed Plant(Asclepias tuberosa): A monarch Favorite Read Post »
Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) stands out in moist gardens, offering elegant pink blooms and crucial support for pollinators like Monarch butterflies. With its elegant pink blooms and ecological value, this native perennial is more than just eye-catching—it’s a vital plant for wildlife, especially Monarch butterflies. This is your essential how to grow Rose milkweed guide.
How to grow Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): A Pollinator Powerhouse Read Post »
As gardeners, we often choose plants based on beauty, scent, or nostalgia—but what if our plant choices could also nurture the ecosystem around us? Understanding the differences between native, non-native and invasive plants helps us differentiate the plants that are actually providing in abundance for our ecosystem and plants that may provide only beauty. In
I found myself scrolling on Instagram the other day. Looking at what others are sowing, what perennials are popping up and I noticed a pretty common theme. Most gardeners love the neat, controlled, balanced gardens, flower gardens that is. You know, proper spacing that showcases each individual plant. Neatly trimmed, deadheaded and cut at the
The Natural Garden: Embracing Chaos and Discovery Read Post »
When I first started native gardening a few years ago, I have to admit I was a little put off by the process. Your telling me, if you start a native garden, have to wait at least a full year to enjoy the flowers? Oh and some native species could take a couple of years
Native Gardens: A Never-Ending Source of Beauty and Discovery Read Post »
Introduction Pollinator gardens have been a hot topic in the gardening world. Three years ago, my research led me to native gardening—planting native species, not just nectar plants. The challenge was identifying natives for my area, considering factors like sun exposure, soil moisture, texture, and climate. But where to start? How do I find plants
The Hive a Personalized Native Garden Database Read Post »
