Many of us have fond memories of a favorite tree from childhood- one that provided shade on a hot day, a sturdy trunk to climb, or a quiet place to sit and dream. Trees have long held symbolic meaning in our lives, from the “Tree of Life” to “Our Family Tree” and “Our Roots.” The […] Continue reading "Champion Trees: A Celebration of Giants"
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a perennial wildflower native to eastern and central North America. It is well known for its role as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars, providing essential food for their development. Continue reading "How to Plant Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) From Seed"
April Native Plant News journeys through resilience, restoration, and rediscovery. In Rhode Island, the Norman Bird Sanctuary burns invasive plants to rebuild critical grassland habitat. Wyoming celebrates Native Plant Month with student art and community plantings, while Iowa students help launch the state’s largest Miyawaki forest. A global biodiversity study introduces the concept of “dark diversity,” revealing hidden losses—and opportunities to restore what’s missing. From Georgia’s ethnobotanical gardens preserving Indigenous knowledge, to Canada’s large-scale native plant rescues, communities are taking action. Plus, meet spring’s earliest bloomer—the skunk cabbage—and learn why Amur honeysuckle has to go. Continue reading "April 2025 Native Plant News"
Wild Ones is excited to announce a new partnership with Michigan Audubon, a like-minded organization dedicated to bird conservation through habitat restoration and education. With 13 Wild Ones chapters across Michigan, we see firsthand how native plants play a crucial role in supporting birds and other wildlife. By working together, we can amplify our shared […] Continue reading "Wild Ones & Michigan Audubon: Partnering for Native Plants and Birds "
What if we stopped planting imported ornamentals by default? This blog unpacks the colonial roots of garden icons like the hyacinth—and offers powerful native alternatives that restore spring ephemerals, honor Indigenous knowledge, and reconnect our yards to North American ecosystems. Continue reading "The Tragedy of the Hyacinth"
At Wild Ones, we believe that connecting people and native plants is the key to a healthier planet. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Nurture Natives, an inspiring youth-led nonprofit dedicated to environmental advocacy and biodiversity restoration. This collaboration, started with the Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter, will bring together […] Continue reading "Wild Ones & Nurture Natives: A Powerful Partnership for the Future"
Gardening with native plants boosts kids’ mental health, encourages outdoor play, and builds a lasting connection to nature. From supporting local wildlife to practicing mindfulness, native plant gardens offer hands-on learning and emotional growth. Discover how to turn your backyard into a powerful tool for youth well-being and environmental stewardship. Continue reading "Growing Minds and Gardens: The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening with Native Plants"
With an acre nestled in the gentle hills of an unincorporated area north of Chicago, Kathy Hamill and her partner, Teece Bowman, could have left their property to be just another massive lawn. But thanks to an epiphany that came with a volunteer project in their neighborhood, they decided to restore their landscape to a […] Continue reading "Member Garden: Time-Warped Gardens"
March Native Plant News explores the power of local action and global trends in native plant conservation. Discover Missouri’s inventive tree buyback program targeting invasive Bradford pears, and read the remarkable tale of Hawaii’s Ka Palupalu o Kanaloa—once thought extinct, now slowly rebounding. Texas celebrates a landmark native plant partnership with H-E-B stores, while Oregon pedals toward pollinator paradise with Portland Beecycle. Learn how global efforts combat desertification through native plant restoration, and meet California’s newly discovered, yet endangered manzanita. Finally, examine a sobering national study revealing a 22% drop in butterfly populations—and how planting native species can help. Continue reading "March 2025 Native Plant News"
Honoring Indigenous Voices in the Native Plant Movement No conversation about native plants is complete without recognizing the voices of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with them for thousands of years. At Wild Ones, we recognize the importance of honoring these voices, and we are committed to doing more to support Indigenous communities. Through […] Continue reading "Strengthen the Native Landscaping Movement by Supporting Indigenous Voices"