Winter is more than just a time of dormancy – it’s the perfect season to reflect, plan, and shape your garden for the year ahead. As snow reveals the bare structure of the landscape, gardeners can evaluate what needs pruning, where to add native plants, and how to enhance spaces for wildlife. Thoughtful winter planning […] Continue reading "Winter Planning"
Art has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, and in the world of conservation, it serves as a voice for native plants and biodiversity. From ancient botanical illustrations to community murals and public installations, artists have captured the beauty of native plants while advocating for their protection. As ecosystems face increasing threats from habitat […] Continue reading "How Art Can Advocate for Native Plant Conservation"
Discover the untold story behind the rise of the poinsettia as America’s "holiday flower" and explore native plant alternatives that offer beauty, sustainability, and ecological benefits. From vibrant Tillandsia to the hardy witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), this blog highlights seasonal choices that support wildlife and reduce waste. Continue reading "Is There Still a Point to the Poinsettia?"
Every Wild Ones member has a unique story—a journey that begins with curiosity and grows into a deep connection with native plants, landscapes, and communities. These personal accounts highlight how Wild Ones inspires individuals and fosters connections between people and the environment. We invite you to take the next step on your journey and join […] Continue reading "Stories of Connection, Transformation, and Community with Wild Ones"
Native grasses provide stunning winter interest while creating critical subnivean habitats under snow for small mammals. These climate-resilient plants enrich ecosystems, support wildlife year-round, and thrive in diverse soils, making them ideal for sustainable landscaping. Continue reading "Wishing for Winter Habitat? Plant These Grasses this Spring"
Gardenside Chats bring together voices from the natural landscaping movement to highlight the beauty and benefits of native plant gardening. Join Wild Ones Development Director Josh Nelson as he sits down with Doug Tallamy, renowned author, entomologist, and advocate for ecological restoration. Doug shares his journey into native landscaping, the critical role of native plants in supporting biodiversity, and practical steps we can take to transform our landscapes and communities for a healthier planet. Continue reading "Restoring Ecosystems, One Yard at a Time: A Conversation with Doug Tallamy"
Pesticides are harming our pollinators, birds, and biodiversity—but it doesn’t have to be this way. By choosing sustainable gardening practices, we can support a healthy environment right in our backyards. Learn how native plants, soil health, and eco-friendly lawn care can transform your space into a thriving, pesticide-free habitat. Discover easy, actionable tips that make a difference for the planet and our communities! Continue reading "Pass on the Pesticides and Boost Biodiversity at Home"
Create habitat for ruby-throated hummingbirds by adding native plants to your garden. These bright, fast-winged birds love tubular-shaped native flowers and a pesticide-free environment. Learn how to attract them with native plants that bloom throughout the season, providing a reliable source of nectar from spring through fall. From columbine and wild petunia to the stunning […] Continue reading "Gardening for Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds"
Fall is here, and that means pumpkins and gourds are popping up everywhere—on porches, in centerpieces, and at every farmers’ market. But did you know there’s a native gourd that’s been growing in North America long before the decorative ones hit the scene? Enter the buffalo gourd, a wild cousin to pumpkins and squashes that […] Continue reading "Plant Spotlight: Buffalo Gourd, A Native Plant to Celebrate This Fall "
Gardenside Chats bring together the voices of the natural landscaping movement to explore the beauty and benefits of native plant gardening. Join Wild Ones Chapter Liaison, Lisa Olsen as she sits down with Preston Montague, a landscape architect and artist with a passion for creating vibrant, biodiverse spaces that connect people to the natural world. Preston shares his insights on transforming public perception of native plants, designing resilient landscapes, and fostering a deeper connection between communities and their local environments. Continue reading "Gardening for Community and Ecology: A Conversation with Preston Montague"