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"
Is there a skeleton in your garden? If your garden is a rain garden, two plants will make you think “skeletons” – mad dog skullcap and boneset. A member of the mint family, mad dog skull cap (Scutellaria lateriflora) blooms in mid to late summer. Early settlers believed that this plant cured rabies, hence the […] Continue reading "Autumn’s Natural Skeletons and Witches"
As we approach the end of another year, it’s time to reflect on the strides we’ve made in protecting native plants and landscapes—and to focus on the work still ahead of us. Wild Ones is guided by a simple, but powerful, goal: to connect people and native plants for a healthy planet. But we can’t […] Continue reading "Invest in the future of Native Landscaping- Donate to the Wild Ones Annual Appeal today"
During times of turmoil, it is inspiring to see how the Wild Ones community pulls together to support one another. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, we have received numerous inquiries from members and chapters asking how they can help those affected. Continue reading "After the Storms-Supporting Recovery Efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton"
We had hundreds of stunning entries in this year’s contest! By entering their photos in our contest, these photographers are helping Wild Ones further its mission. Wild Ones uses contest images in Wild Ones publications, promotional materials, presentations and on the our websites so that others may be inspired to learn about native plants and […] Continue reading "2024 Photo Contest Winners"
Planning an eco-friendly wedding? Discover how using native flowers can reduce your carbon footprint, support local ecosystems, and create unique, sustainable floral arrangements that stand out. Get tips for sourcing and styling native blooms for a wedding day with natural beauty and lasting impact. Continue reading "Using Native Flowers in Weddings: A Sustainable and Personal Touch"
This native garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, Michigan was co-developed with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Featuring 5,500 native plants, it demonstrates community-led restoration, cultural stewardship, and the resilience of northern Michigan plant communities. Continue reading "Planting with a Purpose: The Anishinabek Medicine Wheel and Foraging Meadow "
Sustainability is more than just an environmental buzzword—it's a lifeline for our planet and our future. By nurturing native plants, we actively restore ecosystems, reduce our carbon footprint, and build resilient communities. This isn’t just about protecting nature; it’s about safeguarding our health, our livelihoods, and the world we leave for future generations. Continue reading "Sustaining Health Through Native Plants and Biodiversity"
Like others concerned about climate change, we’re striving to reduce our carbon footprint by using LED lights, driving a plug-in hybrid, and reducing our fossil fuel use in other ways. Just as important, we’re also creating a climate-friendly landscape. Continue reading "Tackling Climate in our Landscape"