These profiles showcase real-world native gardens submitted by Wild Ones members across the country. Each story highlights the ornamental beauty, creativity, and ecological value of native landscaping. Together, they illustrate the full native gardening journey—from first plantings to thriving Certified Native Habitats—offering inspiration and practical ideas for gardeners at every stage.
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"
Preston Drum turned his Burnsville, MN yard into Northern Holler Nursery & Gardens, a home-based native plant nursery and design business. His gardens support local wildlife, conserve water, and connect his community. All while growing hard-to-find native plants. Learn how this Wild Ones member blends creativity with ecological restoration. Continue reading "Member Garden: The Drum Circle"
When Dave and Lynn Kirkpatrick moved into their new home in Northville, Michigan in 2000 with its oversized wooded lot, they immediately added junipers, hostas and daylilies, earning a subdivision gardening award. Continue reading "Member Garden: Lynn Kirkpatrick"
More than two decades ago, Janet and John Allen’s yard in central New York like most any other yard across America with a big, expansive lawn. But since the late 1990s, it has evolved into a safe haven for birds, pollinators, and insects, as well as a learning tool for anyone who just happens to […] Continue reading "Member Garden: Janet and John Allen"
If there’s one word that describes Denise Ranucci, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, it is perseverance. She battled flooding problems on her property for a decade, and even had her yard regraded. But it didn’t help. Continue reading "Member Garden: Denise Ranucci"
Regina Santore said her family purchased their home in Knoxville, Tennessee, in late 2020, mostly for the inground pool, as it provided a “staycation retreat” during the pandemic. Continue reading "Member Garden: Regina Santore"
A native garden is a work in progress, Dave Neu says, with the plants teaching you where they want to be. Continue reading "Member Garden: David Neu"
In the middle of an urban-dominant environment, the home of Wendy Gochenaur provides a small, yet impactful oasis for wildlife to congregate and thrive. With over 95 native plant species, Wendy’s yard provides sanctuary for pollinators, birds and snakes. Continue reading "Member Garden: Wendy Gochenaur"
If there is one thing certain about Susan and Kei Pang, it is that they are serious about being ecologically friendly, from building a new home for themselves, to creating a native landscape that is home to many insects, birds and other animals. Continue reading "Member Garden: Susan and Kei Pang"
Lisa Brunette and her husband Anthony Valterra don’t like to waste time or effort. So it’s no surprise that after less than three years, their yard received top honors in the St. Louis Audubon Society’s Bring Conservation Home (BCH) program. Continue reading "Member Garden: Lisa Brunette and Anthony Valterra"