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"
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"
Frustrated by urban plant choices, botanist Jeremie Fant sets out to create a thriving native plant container garden on his balcony. Through trial and error over 15 years, he discovered what works—and what doesn’t. Explore his journey, top-performing native plants, and tips for growing native species in small urban spaces. Continue reading "Native Plants for Urban Balconies"
Volunteers and conservationists gathered at the Nashville Zoo for a hands-on effort to support Tennessee’s native habitats. Hosted by the Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC), the event centered on packing bee-friendly native plant seeds for Sumner County schools, fostering future pollinator-friendly gardens while showcasing the power of community action, education, and local partnerships. Continue reading "A pipeline for planting passion for native habitats"
When designing a native plant garden, layering is key to building beauty, structure, and habitat—just like in nature. Forests are perfect examples of layered ecosystems, with towering canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground cover all working together to support wildlife. By applying these natural layers to your garden, you can create a thriving, […] Continue reading "Layer by Layer"
Groundhogs know seasonal gardening! Learn how phenology guides native plant care. Discover adaptive gardening strategies to align with climate shifts and support pollinators. Observe, track, and garden smarter! Continue reading "What Groundhogs Know About Seasonal Gardening That You Don’t"
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"
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"