Frequently Asked Questions
Why native plants?
Native plants are the best way to provide food and shelter to local wildlife. They grow more easily than most of the plants in your yard, can survive the harsh winters of the northeast, and never need fertilizer. Typical plants from your chain hardware store tend to be from Asia or Europe, and often die after just a few years, costing you more and more money each spring when you want a good looking yard!
Plugs or Pots?
The “plugs” I use (pictured) are specially designed to grow native plants. The extra deep design ensures healthier root growth, which is what experts look for when choosing plants. The narrow, compact dimensions are best for large-scale affordable gardening.
Pots are larger and designed to let the roots grow outwards more. Best for a newer gardener or anyone who might not plant right away.
When ordering online you may specify plug or pot. I recommend plugs if you can plant them the same day!
I use pots at public sales to make it easier to transport your plants home.
Can you recommend plants for my specific location?
I use Bonap.org and NY Flora Atlas to determine where plants grow best, and what places they are truly “native” to. These sites combined with USDA climate zone maps helps predict plant preferences. Additionally, I’ve personally grown or observed growing wild every plant that I sell.
Are native plants harder to grow?
Mostly they’re easier! Most native plants need much LESS maintenance, rarely need water, and never need fertilizer. After all, these species had been growing abundantly until humans built houses and farms on their soil.
What’s wrong with horticulture?
“Horticulture” plants serve little to no ecological value. While pretty, Japanese Maple, and Bigleaf Hydrangea are just for human eyes. There’s no pollen, no nectar, no seeds and no ecological value provided from about 80-90% of plants we see. You might as well install concrete instead of your lawn because it will be equally useless to a bumblebee. By replacing your horticulture and lawn with natives, you can see your local ecosystem spring back to life, and attract rarer and more unusual wildlife each year.
Are native plants Pet Safe?
The vast majority of native plants ARE pet safe! Some native plants are however, not pet safe, and I have labeled those plants in my catalog. My source for toxic plants is the ASPCA as well as DogsTrust who have put together a good list of toxic plants. I own a dog myself and have to watch out for his grass munching habits!
Ask me anything!
If you have a question, are interested in getting more into native plants or are planning a native garden, reach out with any questions or ideas you might have, and I’ll see what I can do to best answer anything that’s on your mind!