“Fire, good!” That’s what the caveman said in a television advertisement for a local home fireplace installation company many years ago, but I’m sure humans had that same thought a couple millennia earlier. I love to sit by a nice warm fire on a cold winter night. I also have a passion for natives, so I decided to combine these two things in my coursework […] Continue reading "Burning with a Native Passion"
Climate change is reshaping our landscapes and threatening the plants and wildlife we depend on. Nearly half of U.S. bird species may be imperiled by century’s end, and biodiversity loss is accelerating. But there is hope: diverse, native plantings can build resilience, sustain pollinators and birds, and help mitigate the effects of a shifting climate. Continue reading "Dealing with Climate Change in Our Landscapes"
She was a mother, a friend, a gardener, and an environmentalist. But for those early Wild Ones members nearly 50 years ago, she was an inspiration. Continue reading "Lorrie Otto: Godmother of Natural Landscaping "
Lindy Smith is an Iowa-based photographer who blends art and ecology, using 19th-century photographic techniques and sunlight to create haunting images of native plants. Her latest book, Leaves and Light: Sunprints of American Native Plants (Prospecta Press, Sept. 2025), captures the beauty and conservation value of plants from the Eastern Woodlands, Prairies and Grasslands, and California. Continue reading "Q&A with Photographer Lindy Smith"
Native sunflower species vary widely in height, bloom time, and habitat, and they play a critical role in supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Their diversity and ecological value make them an essential addition to native gardens. Continue reading "8 Native Sunflowers That Support Pollinators and Birds"
Rita Venable, Middle Tennessee Wild Ones member and author of Butterflies of Tennessee, blends humor and science to inspire native gardening. From field adventures to mentoring the next generation, she champions approachable, entertaining ways to connect people with butterflies and native plan. Continue reading "Rita Venable’s Path from Wildlife to Wild Ones"
Looking to add color to your native plant garden while supporting pollinators? Blue-flowering native plants are a striking choice that provide essential food sources from spring through fall. Whether you’re planting in sun or shade, dry or moist soil, there’s a native blue bloom for every garden. Continue reading "7 Native Blue Flowers for Every Garden"
Let's explore the science and practicality behind native pollinator lawns, with insights drawn from research and best practices across North America. Continue reading "What is a Pollinator Lawn?"
If you’re just starting out with native plants, you might be overwhelmed by the options. Thankfully, some native plants are incredibly forgiving, widely adaptable, and easy to grow. Here’s a curated list of ten widely adaptable species. These selections are known for their broad geographic native range, are generally widely available for purchase and generally […] Continue reading "10 Beginner-Friendly Native Plants for Your Garden"
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"